Six Cambodian women were convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court and sentenced to seven years in prison each for conspiring to traffic three Cambodian girls to be sold as brides in China.

The victims, aged 18 to 22, came from poor families in Kratie province, and were told that they would work in garment factories or beauty salons in China or Singapore. In reality, the traffickers planned to send them to marry Chinese husbands.

“Based on real evidences and their confessions, the court has found that they are guilty,” said presiding judge Svay Tonh.

The convicted women told the court that they were promised $100 in commission for each Cambodian girl they delivered.

Four of the defendants – Hong Vy, also known as Hong Chea, 38; Ol Yong, also known as Dy, 40; Bouy Samon, 50; and Kert Phuon, 54 – are currently in custody.

The other two, Bouy Savun, 26, and Yaing Samean, 32, managed to escape to China.

Police intercepted the four traffickers in custody when they brought the victims to the capital to prepare their travel documents for China.