Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 22 – On 14 February 2024, the Interior Ministry's Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Department arrested a 33-year-old woman for her alleged involvement in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) activities. Following the arrest, the woman was charged with the distribution of child pornography under Article 41 of the Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.

The investigation was initiated after the police received a tip-off from the organization APLE, which manages an internet hotline dedicated to reporting CSAM. Police investigators found that the suspect had established and operated 34 Telegram channels and groups with subscriber counts ranging from 3,000 to 17,000 individuals. During the investigation, police discovered more than 19,000 items of explicit content, including photographs and videos of adults and children.

According to police, the suspect disclosed that she made between USD200 and USD400 monthly by selling subscriptions to these materials, priced between USD1 and USD3 each.

APLE has collaborated with other organizations within the INHOPE network and electronic service providers to have the identified CSAM removed from the internet.

Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE Cambodia)
APLE Cambodia is a non-governmental organization [NGO] responding to the continuing need to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Cambodia. Based in Phnom Penh, APLE was established in 2003 and now has a regional presence in Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. APLE is the only NGO specializing in investigating street-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Cambodia, making the organization invaluable experts in this field.

APLE has a highly trained and dedicated staff including lawyers, social workers, investigators and project managers. APLE’s vision is freedom from sexual abuse and exploitation for all children and its mission is to reduce all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation through prevention, protection, promotion of prosecution, and advocacy. APLE works to achieve this mission through four interconnected programmes: Criminal Justice Development Program, Court Support Program, Community Engagement Program and the Advocacy and Research Program.

For further information in regards to APLE, please visit:
https://aplecambodia.org/
https://www.facebook.com/aplecambodia.org
For further information on this case, please contact:
Contact: Mr. Samleang Seila
Organization: Action Pour Les Enfants [APLE Cambodia]
Email: director@aplecambodia.org
Phone: 017 777 669
=FRESH NEWS