Authorities have today identified a Chinese firm based in Cambodia as the culprit behind the import of the 83 rubbish-filled containers found at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port early this week.
Kun Nhim, director-general of the General Department of Customs and Excise told Khmer Times that police identified the company as Chunjyen plastic, a Chinese owned company with Cambodian share holders.
“It’s not the Chinese entity running it alone. We have discovered that Cambodian businessmen are also involved in the operation as well,” he said. “Police are now investigating the company so I can not disclose further information.”
Mr Nhim noted that the company began its operation last year and imported the rubbish-filled containers since October, adding that it has never made tax declarations.
“First, we will fine the company because it imported banned goods. The contained was labeled as recycling products,” he said. “We will see the result of the investigation if the company would be shut down or involves in any criminal offense.”
Mr Nhim added that the authorities are now seeking cooperation from the companies in United States and Canada to have the containers sent back.
The 83 containers filled with unwanted wastes, which contained mostly plastic, were found on Tuesday afternoon at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port during a crackdown on banned waste by a number of national and sub-national officials.