The arrest of nearly 170 Chinese nationals in Sihanoukville, for allegedly being part of online crime syndicate, has startled hotel and casino workers, customers and even investors away.

Last month, Ministry of Interior’s Immigration Department has raided a villa and a guesthouse in Sihanoukville, which led to arrest of 168 Chinese nationals accused of extorting money from people in China using internet-based telephone system.

During the arrest, a number of VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephones, mobile phones and other related materials were confiscated and the suspects, who were mostly working in casinos, were detained for questioning and were eventually deported.

Owner of newly-opened Victory Hill Ly Koung told The Phnom Penh Post that he had to suspend his casino operations after racking up $20,000 in losses. The casino’s Chinese casino staff and customers have left the province after the raid. Golden Royal Hotel and Casino, which employed 79 of the Chinese nationals arrested, has confirmed a loss of about $100,000 following the crackdown.