Prey Veng Police Shut Down Illegal Lending Rings, Arrest 64

PREY VENG, Cambodia (Oct.07, 2025) — Authorities in Prey Veng province, working with the National Police’s Anti-Terrorism Department, have dismantled five illegal money lending operations and arrested 64 suspects, including 24 women, officials said.

The crackdown followed a two-week investigation into suspected unlawful loan services charging exorbitant interest rates, according to the Prey Veng Provincial Police.

In a statement released Oct. 6, the Information and Rapid Response Team said police raided five locations and uncovered widespread illegal lending. Four of the groups operated without licenses, while one held a pawn business license but was allegedly conducting unauthorized lending.

Investigators said the groups issued loans with effective interest rates of 80% to 85% per month — far above Cambodia’s legal limits. Although advertised rates ranged from 10% to 15%, borrowers were reportedly hit with hidden fees that drove costs much higher.

Senior managers of the operations have been detained and face prosecution in Prey Veng Provincial Court. Other staff, mainly loan agents, were required to sign written pledges acknowledging the legal consequences of their actions and remain under investigation.

Police have instructed officers in all 116 communes and sangkats to monitor and act against illegal lending. Authorities warned that future cases involving threats or intimidation of borrowers will be treated as criminal offenses.