Influencer’s Father Detained in Cambodia Amid Allegations of Political Cover-Up

The arrest of a French national in Cambodia has triggered international concern after his daughter — a popular influencer based in Hong Kong with 2 million TikTok followers — alleged that his detention was politically motivated to protect a senior government official.

Cheng Chi Gian, a French citizen, was detained on the evening of June 11, shortly before a scheduled meeting related to allegations of fund mismanagement. According to his daughter, Stephanie Cheng (@laparasian), he traveled to Cambodia to pursue justice and attend this meeting in person. According to a post Stephanie shared on Instagram two days ago, her father was scheduled to meet with Cambodia’s Minister of Interior in a meeting personally convened by the Ministry’s First Vice President. The Vice President was accompanying her father and supporting his efforts for justice. The meeting was intended to address a major financial dispute and fraud case involving Mr. Chea Sothun, a senior official in the Ministry of Interior accused of defrauding Cheng of a significant sum of money.

Stephanie told the South China Morning Post (SCMP) that Cheng was arrested without formal charges or access to legal counsel and has been transferred to Prey Sar Prison. She posted an urgent appeal on Instagram directed at Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, urging a review of her father’s case due to concerns over his age and health.

Stephanie Cheng’s Instagram post urgently appealing to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to review her father’s arrest and ensure his legal rights and health are protected.

Reports from Sin Daily highlight Stephanie’s belief that the arrest was a calculated move to prevent her father from testifying against Chea Sothun. She fears the case is being manipulated to frame her father as a fraudster — an attempt to deflect blame and obstruct the truth.

“The timing and nature of the arrest make it clear that this is not a coincidence. It is a deliberate political maneuver to protect the accused official and silence the victim” Stephanie wrote.

The Cambodian Ministry of Justice has denied allegations of kidnapping, stating Cheng’s arrest was lawful and cautioning against spreading misinformation that could harm the country’s reputation. However, they have yet to disclose any formal charges.

The French Embassy in Phnom Penh confirmed to SCMP that it is providing consular assistance and monitoring the situation closely.

Concerns Over Judicial Transparency and Fairness in Cambodia

The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about judicial transparency and fairness in Cambodia. Observers note that the country’s legal system has faced criticism in the past for lacking openness and for potential political influence in sensitive cases.

While there is no direct evidence implicating the government in this specific incident, the circumstances have raised questions about how justice is administered when high-profile disputes involve senior officials.

Stephanie Cheng’s public appeals and the international attention the case has drawn underscore the broader challenges faced by individuals seeking accountability in Cambodia’s complex political and legal environment.