After nearly two years since being allegedly defrauded of millions in an investment scheme by prominent tycoon Leng Channa, now in pre-trial detention, thousands are still seeking government intervention to ease their debt burdens and expedite the trial.
Around 300 people who say they were defrauded, many of whom took out bank and microfinance loans to invest, protested at the Ministry of Justice in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, urging authorities to speed up compensation from the 2024 “Brilliant City” scheme.
Channa, known for lavish donations to local governments, was charged with fraud and money laundering in March 2024.
She was also stripped of her “oknha” title, an honorific conferred on individuals who donate at least $500,000 to the government.
The case, reportedly involving $200 million in funds, has drawn significant attention, prompting investigations into alleged involvement by officials at the Defense and Education ministries and a deputy chairman of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
Hab Hieb, a representative of the protesters, called on authorities to quickly reach a verdict, saying many have struggled for years to make ends meet and repay their loans.
“How many more months and years must we keep paying when there’s been no solution?” she said, adding that she currently pays $1,000 a month in interest on a $57,000 loan she took out to invest in Channa’s company three years ago.
Another protester, Chab Bunhieng, said he borrowed $14,600 from a bank and paid about $1,000 in interest over six months before a credit officer granted him a payment delay. He said he invested because the company appeared to have connections with senior government officials.
Siem Reap provincial court spokesperson Yin Srang said Channa’s case, being heard at the court, is under investigation and no ruling has yet been issued.
Ky Tech, a government lawyer representing many of the plaintiffs, could not be reached for comment. In an October press conference posted by government-friendly outlet Fresh News, he said 4,929 plaintiffs had voluntarily requested legal representation in the case.
Operations director at local rights group Licadho, Am Sam Ath, said the case is highly complex and involves connections to senior officials.
“The court should expedite procedures in this matter because the victims are suffering while waiting for a solution,” he said, adding that many risk losing property or homes used as collateral if they cannot repay debts.
ACU spokesperson Soy Chanvichet could not immediately be reached for comment.
