Phnom Penh Municipal Court has decided to store about $3.5 million at the National Bank of Cambodia in order for the money to be used as evidence in court following its seizure from three Chinese nationals accused of money laundering.
On April 26, the Interior Ministry reported that three Chinese nationals were arrested on April 23 at Phnom Penh International Airport for trying to bring in more than $3.5 million in cash from Hong Kong without declaring the source of the money.
Lieutenant General Keo Vanthan, spokesman for the General Immigration Department, yesterday said the money will serve as evidence.
“The court has ordered to keep the money at the National Bank of Cambodia,” Lt Gen Vanthan said, adding that the case should serve as a warning to foreigners.
“We suspect this is money laundering, and we call on all foreigners to respect the law in the Kingdom,” Lt Gen Vanthan said. “If they commit offences in Cambodia, they will not escape.”
Chinese nationals Wang Shi Ping, Wang Li Chao and Zhang Jian on Monday were charged with money laundering and placed in pre-trial detention.
“Wang Shi Ping, Wang Li Chao and Zhang Jian were charged with money laundering under Articles 3 and 29 of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism,” deputy court prosecutor Ly Sophanna said on Monday. “They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.”
Immigration police said the three were carrying $3,520,000 in $100 banknotes upon arrival at the airport.
