After receiving a tip that minors were being sold for sex at a brothel fronting as a massage parlor in central Phnom Penh, the Phnom Penh Department of Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police (AHTJPP) and AIM SWAT began a covert surveillance operation of the location. The joint investigation confirmed the information so officers of both teams raided the brothel at around 8 PM on Tuesday, May 22nd.
During the raid, 2 minors and 3 adults were rescued, and 2 suspects were arrested. The teams searched the premises and seized evidence necessary for the case, then the brothel was officially closed by AHTJPP, the prosecutor and local authorities.
During interviews, the victims all shared that they had been sold for sex by the two suspects who were found managing the brothel. The suspects denied having any involvement, but due to the amount of evidence found at the scene, both have been transferred to court to face child sex trafficking related charges.
The two minor were transferred to AIM Restoration Home to begin their recovery. The 3 rescued women were offered care and safe housing at AIM Transitional Home in Svay Pak, and all 3 decided to stay there. As part of their reintegration care, AIM is offering them jobs and training at AIM Employment Centers.