Cambodia Extradites Human Trafficking and Drug Suspect to Indonesia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 3, 2025) — Cambodian authorities have extradited an Indonesian woman wanted for human trafficking and drug-related offenses under an Interpol Red Notice.

The suspect, 42-year-old Astutik Dewi, was arrested Dec. 1 at the Novotel Hotel in Sihanoukville by specialized units of the General Commissariat of the National Police, working with provincial police and acting on information from Indonesian authorities.

During the operation, police also detained a Pakistani man and seized a white Toyota Prius with Phnom Penh license plates.

After questioning and documentation, Dewi was flown from Phnom Penh International Airport on Dec. 2 and handed over to Indonesian authorities to face legal proceedings. The arrest followed a Red Notice issued March 12, 2025.

The Ministry of Interior said Cambodia has deported more than 15,000 foreign nationals linked to online crime, human trafficking and related offenses over the past two years.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said authorities have adopted new laws, formed anti-trafficking committees and launched coordinated crackdowns on scam networks.

“We have arrested suspects, deported foreign nationals and prosecuted ringleaders,” he said. “We will continue to clean the country of these crimes.”

Am Sam Ath, operations director of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights, acknowledged government efforts but warned such crimes damage Cambodia’s international image and economic prospects.

He urged authorities to enforce laws impartially, eliminate corruption and take action regardless of rank or status.