The Provincial Court of First Instance in Kompong Chnang opened hearings against a 20-year-old man charged with unlawful removal of a minor under Article 09 of Cambodia’s Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation (LSHTSE) on December 16, 2025. The verdict is scheduled for announcement on December 24, 2025.

Case Background and Timeline
The case originated on May 20, 2025, when Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection (AHTJP) police in Kompong Chnang province received a complaint against the defendant, who lives and works in Phnom Penh. APLE alerted the police of the incident and assist with their investigation. According to police reports, the man committed removal and sexual abuse crimes against a 13-year-old girl during a visit to his hometown in Kompong Chnang.

The incident unfolded when the defendant approached the victim near her school in Kompong Chnang, groomed the child by convincing her he loved her, and promised her work opportunities in Phnom Penh. He then transported her to Phnom Penh where the sexual abuse occurred.

The victim’s mother filed complaints immediately after two of the girl’s classmates reported that she had left with an unknown man for work in Phnom Penh. This rapid reporting demonstrates the importance of community awareness and swift action in rescuing the child.

Court Hearing Developments
During the December 16 hearing, the accused did not confess and denied committing sexual abuse against the victim, despite clear evidence presented. However, the victim’s statement was clear and consistent, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution’s case.

With the verdict scheduled for December 24, 2025, this case represents an important test of Cambodia’s legal framework for protecting children from trafficking and sexual exploitation. The potential charge upgrade from misdemeanor to felony reflects the gravity of crimes against children and the justice system’s commitment to appropriate punishment for such offenses.