Siem Reap â On August 28th of 2019, The Siem Reap Provincial Court pronounced an in
absentia verdict against Israeli national Mr. Ezra Balfour, aged 60, found guilty of âIndecent Act
against a Minor Under 15 Yearsâ under the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and
Sexual Exploitation. The man was arrested, sentenced to 3 years in jail and ordered to pay a
compensation of 3 Million Riels (approximately 750 USD) in total to 3 child victims.
Additionally, he was banned to stay in Cambodia after the completion of his jail term.
In April 2018, APLE received a report from a partner NGO that works closely with street
children. The concern reported suspicious behaviour from a foreigner who was allegedly abusing
street boys. Immediately after receiving this information, APLE alerted the Anti-Human
Trafficking and Juvenile Protection (AHTJP) police in Siem Reap and assisted the agency
throughout the investigation process.
During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as an Israeli man who actively
approached street children at night. He rented a house in Siem Reap where he brought several
street boys for sexual abuse. The possible victims were also identified and consequently
interviewed; five boys disclosed sexual abuse perpetrated by the suspect.
In December 2018, following the boysâ statements, the Israeli man was interviewed by the AHTJP
police in Siem Reap. However, due to the suspect having a medical condition, he fainted during
the interview and was sent to the hospital immediately for life rescue, keeping him out of arrest
as he was recovering.
After one boy victimâs father complained before the AHTJP police against the perpetrator, the
boys and families decided to pursue a court case. APLE offered them free of charge legal aid and
crisis support. APLE also coordinated other services from a partner organisation for the boysâ
long-term psychological recovery.
âI welcome the maximum punishment and additional punishment on the ban on stay. Ban on
stay or deportation shall be mandatory for every child sex offender abusing children in
Cambodia. This is a strong and effective deterrenceâ, said Vando Khoem, APLEâs Child
Protection Specialist.
