PHNOM PENH: The Anti-Cybercrime Department has arrested a man for operating an illegal online lending scheme that coerced borrowers into providing nude photos and videos as collateral, which were later used for extortion.
The department announced this on Tuesday (Sept 1), that investigators had apprehended a 38-year-old Cambodian national suspect, identified by his initials B.B.N.
He faces charges related to illegal lending, intimidation and the distribution of pornographic materials via social media.
According to police, the suspect operated through a Facebook account named “Bunna FC” and a Telegram account called “Bun Na”. He offered loans with exorbitant interest rates, but stipulated a disturbing condition: borrowers were required to send nude photos and videos of themselves to him before the funds were released.
Authorities stated that after a victim was unable to keep up with the high interest payments, the suspect began sending threatening messages via chat apps. He eventually carried out his threats by posting the victim’s nude images publicly on Facebook.
Cybercrime officials have referred the suspect to the municipal court for legal proceedings.
While the suspect’s Facebook profile indicates he is based in Battambang province, authorities have not disclosed the specific loan amounts or the interest rates he was charging.
Online lending conducted outside of formal financial institutions is strictly prohibited in Cambodia. Both the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the National Police have previously issued warnings that they will take uncompromising action against such illegal operations.
Under regulations set by the Ministry of Justice and other institutions, the legal interest rate for private loans is capped at 18 per cent per annum, or 1.5 per cent per month.
Despite these warnings, informal online lending persists.
Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak urged any individuals who have fallen victim to illegal online lenders — particularly those facing threats or defamation — to come forward and file a formal complaint.
“Victims should report these cases to the police or file a lawsuit with the court so that the authorities can take the necessary legal measures,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
