The AIM SWAT Team finished the year with a two big raids that rescued a total of 12 victims. We are incredibly thankful for the Team’s hard work throughout the holiday season when tourist activity spikes in Cambodia. We also praise God for each life rescued and the freedom they now get to experience in the new year.
The AIM SWAT Legal Team will represent the rescued victims of both raids throughout the legal process, and both massage parlor/brothel locations were officially closed by the Phnom Penh Municipal Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection (AHTJP) Police and the local authorities.
RAID #1 – DECEMBER 22
The first raid happened on the evening of Friday, December 22nd. The AHTJP police, supported by AIM SWAT officers, conducted a raid at a massage parlor suspected to be a front for a brothel where minors were being sold for sex. The raid followed a short covert operation which confirmed the information that had been received earlier.
During the raid, five victims were rescued including one girl confirmed to be a minor. Two suspected traffickers were arrested on the scene. Following the search and seizure of evidence at the suspect location, all 5 victims were interviewed and shared that they had been sold to the profit of the suspected trafficker.
The one minor has been transferred to AIM Restoration Home via the Government District Social Affairs Office, and the suspected traffickers have been charged with child sex trafficking related offences and remanded in prison to await trial.
RAID #2 – DECEMBER 26
Within the same week, AIM SWAT had received information and performed a short covert investigation on another massage parlor suspected to be a front for a brothel where minors were being sold for sex. At 8:15 PM on Tuesday, December 26th, after confirming the information that had been received, the AHTJP Police and AIM SWAT officers raided the location.
During the raid, 2 minor girls were rescued along with 5 adult victims. One suspected trafficker was arrested on the scene. Following the search and seizure of evidence at the suspect location, all 7 victims were interviewed and testified that they had been sold to the profit of the suspected trafficker.
The two minor girls have been transferred to AIM Restoration Home via the Government District Social Affairs Office where they are receiving specialized aftercare support. The suspected trafficker has been charged with child sex trafficking related offenses and remanded in prison to await trial.
