A Cambodian casino’s Chinese supervisor is under arrest, accused of coercing staff into involuntary labor. This development comes after reports of 42 Vietnamese nationals fleeing the casino, alleging conditions akin to contemporary enslavement.
These individuals, providing testimony after swimming across the Binh Di River separating Vietnam and Cambodia, described enduring appalling circumstances. They asserted that instead of the promised $800 monthly wage, they received a paltry $400 to $500 and were restricted to the casino premises. Tragically, their escape attempt resulted in the drowning of a 16-year-old boy in the river, while another individual was apprehended by casino security.
Although the casino supervisor acknowledged “compelling the group to work unwillingly,” they also claimed the escapees were indebted to the company. This situation underscores the precarious position of migrant laborers, especially those lacking proper paperwork, who are frequently enticed by promises of lucrative employment only to become ensnared in exploitative environments.
The head of law enforcement in Vietnam’s An Giang region, Mr. Dinh Van Noi, verified that individuals reported being lured into an operation that illegally transported more than 2,000 Vietnamese nationals to Cambodia. These people were assured of employment at gaming establishments, but upon reaching their destination, they were coerced into illicit activities and detained for payment. The guaranteed salaries were fraudulent, and the individuals were informed they would need to surrender up to $30,000 USD to the gambling venues if they desired repatriation to Vietnam. This is a dreadful circumstance, and fortunately, collaborative endeavors between Vietnamese and Cambodian officials have led to the successful liberation of over 250 of these laborers in the initial six months of 2021 alone.