This quarter’s operations led to 86 lives rescued, including 44 children!
Each rescue was the result of brave survivors, relentless investigators, and the unwavering support of people like you! When you give, pray, and advocate, you are creating change one life at a time. These operations weren’t random or lucky. They were the result of intentional partnerships, tireless investigation, and bold, coordinated raids, many unfolding late at night when most of the world was asleep.
Now, 18 traffickers are behind bars awaiting trial and 86 Survivors are safe, receiving the care they need and beginning the long journey toward healing and hope.
The operations are a powerful reminder that traffickers cannot operate in darkness when light is brought in.
Want to learn more about the vital work our SWAT Team does? Click here!
Organized Crime Cases
Organized Crime Cases involve the rescue of individuals who are being exploited by trafficking networks that operate as businesses. These cases typically take place in commercial establishments, hidden brothels, or other organized settings where traffickers systematically profit from the sale of victims.
29 rescued + 4 arrested
JANUARY 10, 2025
On the evening of January 10th, AIM SWAT joined forces with the Phnom Penh Department of Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police in one of our largest raids on a KTV/restaurant suspected of trafficking women and minors. Inside, officers rescued 22 adult women and 7 minors. Following interviews, the minors were brought to AIM’s Restoration Homes where they are now receiving holistic aftercare. 5 of the adult women were identified as survivors and referred to the local social affairs office for support and the remaining women were reintegrated home.
At the scene, 4 suspects were arrested and charged with trafficking offenses and are now awaiting trial in prison. Our legal team is providing free representation to every survivor throughout the court process.
23 rescued + 4 arrested
MARCH 22, 2025
A large-scale operation was set in motion after information was received by local law enforcement of minors being sold for sex. On the evening of March 22nd, AIM SWAT and the Phnom Penh AHTJP Police launched 4 simultaneous raids across Pursat’s main town, uncovering a network of illegal massage parlors operating as brothels.
• In the first raid, 6 minors were rescued and 1 suspect arrested.
• The second location saw 5 rescues, 4 of whom were minors, with 1 suspect detained.
• The third raid resulted in the rescue of 7 individuals, including 3 minors, and another arrest.
• Finally, at the fourth brothel, 5 were rescued, 4 of whom were minors, and a final suspect was taken into custody.
The 17 minors are now safe and recovering at AIM’s Restoration Homes. All 4 suspects have been charged with child sex trafficking-related crimes and are awaiting trial. The legal team is actively representing the survivors and their families to ensure justice is served.
Individual Predator Cases
What are Individual Predator Cases?
Individual Predator Cases involve the rescue of minors who are being sexually exploited by a single perpetrator rather than through organized trafficking networks. These cases typically occur in isolated or private settings, and the primary goal is to provide immediate safety and long-term care for these children, who require specialized support to address their unique needs.
Individual Predator Cases This Quarter
In the first quarter of 2025, AIM SWAT responded to 6 Individual Predator Cases across various provinces in Cambodia, rescuing a total of 6 survivors and arresting 6 suspects. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases and to protect the survivors, specific locations and further details are not disclosed. Here are the highlights:
- January 12th – 1 survivor rescued, 1 suspect arrested
- February 24th – 1 survivor rescued, 1 suspect arrested
- February 26th – 1 survivor rescued, 1 suspect arrested
- February 28th – 1 survivor rescued, 1 suspect arrested
- March 27th – 1 survivor rescued, 1 suspect arrested
- March 28th – 1 survivor rescued, 1 suspect arrested
In these cases, AIM SWAT’s role focuses on investigating and arresting perpetrators while specialized teams handle the rehabilitation and long-term care of survivors.
Difference Between Organized Crime Cases and Individual Predator Cases
The approach to handling Individual Predator Cases differs significantly from raids on brothels:
Organized Crime Cases:
- Objective: Rescue individuals exploited in brothels, disrupt illegal operations, and arrest traffickers.
- Scope: Involves multiple victims and aims to dismantle organized criminal activities.
- Collaboration: Conducted with local law enforcement to ensure legality and gather evidence for prosecution.
- Focus: Emphasizes both victim rescue and legal action against traffickers and brothel operators.
Individual Predator Cases:
- Objective: Rescue children from sexual exploitation and provide comprehensive care, and to have the offender arrested and imprisoned.
- Scope: Focused specifically on minors, requiring tailored approaches for children.
- Collaboration: Involves child protection services, social workers, and specialized legal teams.
- Focus: Prioritizes rescue and holistic rehabilitation, including psychological support and education.
These each play a crucial role in combating trafficking, especially in rural parts of Cambodia where resources and support systems are often limited. AIM SWAT collaborates with local authorities in these remote areas to help protect vulnerable children from continued abuse, dismantle predatory networks operating in remote regions, and enhance the overall safety and well-being of communities.
By addressing both Organized Crime Cases and Individual Predator Cases, AIM SWAT works to break cycles of exploitation and build safer communities for children and families.
AIM SWAT Trainings: Bringing Rescue to New Regions
This quarter wasn’t only about rescue — it was also about raising the bar. AIM SWAT held two specialized tactical trainings for Cambodian police, strengthening the long-term capacity of our local partners in the mission to end trafficking.
February 17–21, 2025 Anti-Trafficking Training
In a new province where AIM has recently expanded, SWAT leadership conducted our first local training with 20 officers from multiple law enforcement units. Led by Eddie Wilson, the sessions covered core tactics including officer presence, unarmed defense, door entry, suspect search, and operational planning. The training opened and closed under the leadership of H.E. Lieutenant General Chiv Phally, a key partner and Deputy General Commissioner of Cambodia’s National Police. The week helped lay the foundation for deeper collaboration in the region.
March 17–21, 2025 Anti-Trafficking Training
Back in Phnom Penh, AIM SWAT partnered with expert trainer Karl Thornton for another week-long tactical training hosted by the Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police (AHTJP). With 20 officers in attendance, this intensive course focused on operational strategies and advanced tactical readiness. The closing ceremony, led by H.E. Lieutenant General Chiv Phally, emphasized the importance of physical and strategic preparedness to combat all forms of trafficking. These trainings not only built skills — they reinforced trust, built momentum, and set the stage for future joint operations.
Want to read more about AIM SWAT’s rescue work and anti-trafficking trainings in Southeast Asia? Check out this previous update: