The Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU)'s local union leader was charged with conspiracy to commit theft after he was unanimously voted by workers as the in-house union leader in Wing Star Shoes. CATU demands that Kampong Speu Provincial Court drop the criminal charge against Chea Chan, union president of Wing Star Shoes, and release him. CATU alleged that Chan’s arrest was related to the abuse of the judiciary to stifle his freedom of association.

Chan’s case was to be heard on April 29 but was postponed to an undetermined date in May. It was learnt that the prosecution witnesses did not appear in court. In June 2024, Chan was sentenced to one year in prison, and charged with conspiracy to commit theft. He would serve six months in jail and another six months suspended. In August 2024, it was reported that Phnom Penh Appeal Court had overturned the trial court’s guilty verdict, after Chan had served six months in jail.

Following his arrest, it was reported that Chan and his family had faced severe health and financial hardship, and Chan had yet to receive his owed compensation. It was also reported that Chan had not been given his original job at the factory back, and had been separated from other workers in an outhouse of the factory.

ASICS' responses and rejoinders from CATU and Clean Clothes Campaign can be found below.

On October 25, ASICS disclosed that tripartite settlement agreement was reached. Full disclosure can be found below.