Andrew David Eyre, 43, was arrested last week after families in rural villages filed complaints against him.
.
A Vancouver chef working in Asia has been accused of sexually assaulting eight Cambodian boys between the ages of eight and 12.
Announcement 2
.
Andrew David Eyre, 43, was arrested last week after families in rural villages southeast of the capital Phnom Penh filed complaints against him.
The Cambodian Children’s Fund, a local charity, said in a press release that the Canadian posed as a doctor who provides check-ups to children in small communities in Kandal province.
The suspect arrived at the first town on his motorcycle in July. He was seen inappropriately touching children during checkpoints, raising concern among adults in the village, the organization said.
When he tried to return to the village, he was denied entry.
The charity’s Child Protection Unit assisted the Cambodian National Police in the investigation.
The unit is headed by former Australian police officer Jim McCabe.
Announcement 3
.
“The (Child Protection Unit) responded immediately to conduct an initial investigation. It soon became apparent that there were other child victims living in the same towns and communes,” McCabe said.
A task force including government officials, the Kandal Police Command and forensic and investigative experts from the Child Protection Unit had been set up, he said.
Members of the working group took statements from the children, who received medical care and will receive ongoing support.
Law enforcement believe there could be more victims.
McCabe told Postmedia that the sentence for “aggravated rape” under Cambodia’s penal code ranges from three to 15 years. And the penalty for indecent assault is up to three years.
Announcement 4
.
The Cambodian police do not release the names of the people charged, but Postmedia confirmed Eyre’s identity through sources in Southeast Asia.
He appeared in court on August 3 and has been in custody until his trial.
McCabe said search warrants were executed at the suspect’s home and evidence was seized.
“(The task force) is being assisted and cooperating with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police both in Canada and the Thai Liaison Office to investigate these crimes,” he said.
Global Affairs Canada did not respond to requests for information about the case on Tuesday.
On his LinkedIn profile, Eyre says he has been a chef for 25 years and started working in Phnom Penh in December 2020. Before that, he also worked in Beijing, where he claimed to have been a guest chef at the Canadian Embassy four times. .
ad 5
.
“I have extensive experience in the hospitality industry ranging from casual dining, high volume restaurants, gastro bars and pubs, fine dining, resorts, high end fishing lodges, catering, banquets, weddings, cafes, consultancy and hotels. ”, the profile. she says. “I am passionate about training and developing young chefs to be the best they can be. I believe that if you develop your team through great training, anything is possible.”
He boasted of having “very strong references” and “a reputation for having extremely high standards and a big heart for people.”
“To create greatness, you have to get your hands dirty,” he said.
Postmedia contacted several Lower Mainland businesses and nonprofits where Eyre claimed to have worked or volunteered before moving to Asia. Most did not respond Tuesday. One said she was not aware of him volunteering, as he indicated on his resume. Another catering company declined to comment.
ad 6
.
Just days before his arrest, he posted on LinkedIn how expensive grapes are in Cambodia.
“I make a lot of money right now, but I actually laughed out loud at the grocery store because I couldn’t imagine paying $18/kg for seedless grapes. I would rather walk away and give money to a family than enjoy grapes at that price now that so many are struggling.”
More news, less announcements: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 a week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The province.
