The Ministry of Interior has issued a strong rebuttal, calling allegations "politically motivated" and highlighting Sokha's extensive crackdown on the very crimes the casino is accused of.
 |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Sar Sokha - Photo: Khmer Times |
CaliToday (21/10/2025): Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has emphatically rejected what it calls "fabricated and politically motivated" allegations that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha is an investor in the notorious Jin Bei casino in Sihanoukville.
The allegations, which have circulated recently, have drawn a sharp response from the government due to the casino's links to a conglomerate recently sanctioned by the United States for allegedly operating a massive network of online fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking.
In an official statement released on October 20, the ministry declared the accusations baseless and aimed at damaging Sar Sokha's personal honor and the reputation of the Cambodian government.
The Center of the Controversy: Jin Bei and Prince Group
The accusations carry significant weight because the Jin Bei casino is not an independent entity. It is a known subsidiary of the Prince Group, a sprawling conglomerate that has come under intense international scrutiny.
On October 14, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Zhu Zhongbiao, the owner and chairman of Jin Bei. In its designation, the US described the operations as one of the Prince Group's most "notorious" facilities, alleging it was a hotbed for "extortion, fraud, and forced labor," which have become hallmarks of Southeast Asia's sophisticated cyber-scam industry.
The Interior Ministry's statement categorically denied any connection: "The Ministry affirms that Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha has no involvement whatsoever in the business operations of the Jin Bei casino, nor does he own any shares in this enterprise."
An 'Ironic' Accusation: The Government's Counter-Evidence
The ministry’s rebuttal went beyond a simple denial, presenting a strong counter-narrative that frames the allegations as deeply ironic. It highlighted Sar Sokha's central role, as Chief of the Royal Government Office under Prime Minister Hun Manet's 7th mandate, in leading Cambodia’s national campaign against these exact forms of crime.
The statement asserted that rather than profiting from criminal enterprises, Sar Sokha has been instrumental in coordinating local authorities to "ensure public order and security, while resolutely directing campaigns against crime—especially high-tech crimes, human trafficking, and drug trafficking."
To substantiate this claim, the ministry provided detailed statistics on its law enforcement successes under Sar Sokha's direct leadership during the first nine months of 2025:
Online Fraud: Cracked 48 major online scam cases, leading to the arrest and prosecution of 168 individuals and the deportation of over 2,700 foreign nationals involved.
Human Trafficking: Handled 147 human trafficking cases, successfully rescuing nearly 500 victims.
Drug Trafficking: Investigated over 6,900 drug-related cases, arresting more than 17,000 suspects.
Seizures: Confiscated approximately 7.5 tons of illicit drugs and 48 tons of chemical precursors used in drug manufacturing.
A Warning Against 'Baseless' Claims
The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by positioning these law enforcement achievements as "clear proof of Sar Sokha's commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring social safety, and contributing to the sustainable development of the country."
It further stated that Sar Sokha aims to enhance state security management and boost cooperation with national and international partners to "more effectively counter non-traditional security challenges."
The ministry issued a final warning that "spreading such baseless accusations not only seriously affects the reputation of Sar Sokha personally but also erodes public trust in the government, negating the efforts and contributions he has relentlessly pursued for the national interest."