The Taiwanese content creator, who disappeared during a livestream at a Cambodian hostel for job scam victims and allegedly escaped from kidnappers, was arrested by Cambodian police along with his accomplice for defamation against the country.
A Taiwanese content creator went missing after broadcasting from a hostel for job scam victims in Cambodia, sparking widespread concern. His 70-minute livestream on February 12th abruptly ended when he was allegedly apprehended by a patrolman, leaving his wife and friends unable to contact him. Just a day later, he resurfaced in another livestream, detailing a daring escape from his captors, but was promptly arrested by Cambodian police. Authorities dismissed his account as a staged act to discredit Cambodia, leading to the arrest of the content creator and another Taiwanese individual.
Following reports from the Cambodia China Times, both content creators have been sentenced to two years in jail. Police discovered a cache of incriminating evidence, including masks, military attire, fake firearms, fake blood, and various props believed to have been used in the staged “kidnapping” and “assault” scenes. During a press conference, the men publicly apologized to the Cambodian people while kneeling, but authorities promptly ordered them to stand upright.
Defiant in the face of his impending fate, the content creator asserted, “No, Cambodia is not scary,” emphasizing that the country is not as perilous as commonly believed. He took a moment to dispel misconceptions, describing Cambodia as a beautiful destination without scams, drug trafficking, or kidnappings. Expressing remorse, he admitted that his video was a complete fabrication. Alongside his accomplice, he was ordered to pay a fine of KHR 4 million (approximately RM4,700) for their crimes.
In a stern statement, Cambodian police underscored the gravity of the situation, declaring that there would be no leniency for the offenders. They emphasized the importance of not forgiving them, as it could potentially encourage others to fabricate false narratives about the country and its authorities. It is also concerning to note that the pair visited Cambodia solely to stage the event.
