Synopsis: Authorities find 20-year-old in Phnom Penh after her unexpected trip to the Kingdom. She says she travelled voluntarily to the Cambodia for personal reasons, disproving reports of human trafficking.<\/em><\/p>\n The disappearance of a 20-year-old Singaporean woman who travelled to Cambodia sparked concern last week that she had fallen victim to human trafficking or online scam syndicates. Within days, Cambodian authorities found her safe in Phnom Penh, with police and the woman rejecting speculation that she was trafficked or forced into criminal activities.<\/p>\n Here is a breakdown of the case.<\/p>\n Who is the woman?<\/strong> She became the subject of attention after her family reported her missing when she travelled to Cambodia without informing them.<\/p>\n According to Singaporean media reports, Aisha left home on July 28, telling her mother she was going to school.<\/p>\n Later that day, her family discovered that her WhatsApp and Telegram accounts were deleted, her phone was switched off, and her passport was missing. They found a flight itinerary showing she had travelled to Cambodia.<\/p>\n Her family found that she had transferred funds to an individual they did not know, raising fears that an online scam syndicate had lured her abroad.<\/p>\n They filed a missing person report with Singapore police.<\/p>\n Why were there concerns about Cambodia?<\/strong> Because of that, individuals on social media speculated that Aisha was trafficked or forced to work in a scam compound after losing contact with her family.<\/p>\n How did Cambodian authorities respond? Authorities traced her to a condominium in Phnom Penh, where officers interviewed her and those connected to her.<\/p>\n What did investigators find?<\/strong> Police said she independently booked accommodation at TK Lane Condominium before arriving in Cambodia.<\/p>\n Investigators established that she arrived at Techo International Airport on July 28 aboard Emirates flight EK-348.<\/p>\n She was picked up by a Cambodian university student, Duong Sothea, whom she had befriended through online gaming in 2024.<\/p>\n Authorities added that the pair later visited local attractions and purchased household necessities.<\/p>\n Why did Aisha say she came to Cambodia?<\/strong> She explained that she experienced stress living in Singapore and wanted to pursue a different path.<\/p>\n According to Aisha, she came to Cambodia intending to work as an English teacher.<\/p>\n She added that she deliberately left home without informing her parents because they were very strict and would not have permitted the trip.<\/p>\n Police added that she left a letter explaining her decision before her departure.<\/p>\n Did she deny being trafficked?<\/strong> In her video statement, Aisha stressed that her decision was entirely her own.<\/p>\n \u201cI have not been forced to come here. I have not been scammed into coming here. It is entirely up to my own decisions,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She also rejected claims that she was involved in scam operations.<\/p>\n \u201cTo clarify once again, I have not been involved or been forced to partake in any scamming activities or any criminal activities,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Aisha is safe and receiving appropriate care from Cambodian authorities.<\/p>\n Officials said their investigation concluded that she travelled to Cambodia because of personal and family-related issues rather than criminal coercion.<\/p>\n The ministry reiterated that there was no evidence linking her case to human trafficking or online scam compounds.<\/p>\n The Singapore Police Force confirmed that Cambodian police found Aisha safe and thanked Cambodian authorities for their assistance.<\/p>\n Singapore\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Phnom Penh are providing consular support to her family.<\/p>\n Following the discovery, Aisha\u2019s brother thanked the Cambodian ambassador to Singapore, the Cambodian embassy, and Cambodian police for their response.<\/p>\n Why is the case significant? While the circumstances initially raised fears of trafficking, Cambodian investigators say the evidence points to a voluntary decision by Aisha to relocate to Cambodia due to personal and family reasons.<\/p>\n The case highlights how quickly missing-person reports linked to Cambodia can generate speculation about scam compounds before official investigations are completed.<\/p>\n Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said the individuals and media organisations who made allegations against Cambodia must issue formal apologies.<\/p>\n \u201cBefore the truth was revealed, some international media outlets and foreign individuals who held unfriendly and biased views towards Cambodia contributed significantly to tarnishing Cambodia\u2019s image,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cEven after the facts were brought to light, those international media outlets and foreign individuals did not retract their statements; instead, they continued to further smear Cambodia.\u201d<\/p>\n He urged Cambodia to put forth more efforts to combat online scams and restore its reputation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a wound, and that is why flies come to it. Therefore, let us work together to heal our wound \u2013 meaning we must address the problem from the top down,\u201d Phea added.<\/p>\n \u201cThose at the top must set an example, while those below must follow and implement accordingly. If the top is dirty, the bottom can never truly be clean. But if the top is clean and transparent, no one below will dare to act recklessly or improperly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
The woman was identified as Siti Aishah Siregar Sahat Siregar, also known as Aisha or Eve, a 20-year-old Singaporean.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.khmertimeskh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/126067.jpg\")
Cambodia has faced international scrutiny over the presence of online scam compounds and human trafficking networks.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Following a request for assistance from Aisha\u2019s parents, Cambodia\u2019s Ministry of Interior directed the General Department of Immigration and the Phnom Penh Municipal Police to launch a search.<\/p>\n
According to the Ministry of Interior and the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams, investigators found no evidence that Aisha had been trafficked, detained, abused, or forced to participate in online scam operations.<\/p>\n
In interviews with investigators and in a public video statement released by Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Chuon Naron, Aisha said she travelled to Cambodia voluntarily.<\/p>\n
Yes.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>The case drew attention because it unfolded against the backdrop of concern over online scam syndicates operating in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n