Brazilian Woman Sentenced to 2 Years and 6 Months in Cambodia on Drug Charge

Overview

• A Cambodian court issued the sentence on November 12 for drug possession, with the defense saying it will appeal.
• Relatives say she traveled in January for a telemarketing job, had her passport retained on arrival, and was housed in an isolated complex near the Thai border.
• The family alleges that after she refused to take part in internet scams, three drug capsules were planted in her quarters, leading to her March arrest.
• After the detention, criminals allegedly impersonated her on messaging apps to extort about R$27,000 from the family.
• Supporters cite due-process concerns such as a denied toxicology test and the reported absence of a translator, while Brazil’s Embassy says it is providing consular assistance and the family is fundraising roughly R$60,000 for legal costs.