Stolen Canadian SUVs turn up in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian customs have seized 12 luxury vehicles stolen in Canada, including a Hummer and a Cadillac popular with hip-hop music stars, giving an intriguing insight into the world of international car smuggling.

The vehicles, packed in shipping containers containing aluminium and clothes, were seized at the deep-sea port of Sihanoukville at the weekend, officials said. All were 2003 models or later.

"It's the first time we've ever done this sort of thing," said Interpol's deputy director for Phnom Penh, Keo Vanthan, confirming that the vehicles were all registered in Ottawa as being stolen.

After three decades of war and upheaval, including the Khmer Rouge's four years in power in the 1970s, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia, with a third of its 13 million population living on US$1 ($1.61) a day or less.

However, in the last 10 years a small but mega-rich elite of politically connected businessmen and government officials has started to emerge - along with Cambodia's reputation as one of the region's most corrupt nations.

Despite the capital's grinding poverty, Phnom Penh is awash with four-wheel-drive vehicles, including Hummers and Mercedes or other luxury brand SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles).

Canadian ambassador to Phnom Penh Donica Pottie said the ships carrying the containers had been impounded pending a full investigation into the smuggling, although no arrests had yet been made.

- REUTERS