Interior Minister Sar Kheng is poised to take disciplinary action against Kandal provincial police chief Eav Chamroeun over accusations of wide-ranging corruption, according to a letter seen by reporters.
Major General Chamroeun was the target of a complaint signed by members of the provincial police force on April 19 alleging diverting election funds, appropriating cars seized from criminal suspects and taking bribes in return for promotions.
In a letter signed by Kheng and seen by reporters on Sunday, the minister said Chamroeun had been warned and would face further disciplinary action pending the monitoring of his activities.
“This individual must correct his mistakes and behavior,” Kheng said in the letter. “If you continue to oppose the instructions, I will take action in accordance with the National Police disciplinary code.”
Kheng also ordered National Police chief Neth Savoeun and provincial governor Mao Phirun to implement the orders against Chamroeun.
Chamroeun told CamboJA News that the issue was simply an internal one, like a father disciplining a son.
“I will implement this order,” Chamroeun said and declined to elaborate further.
In May, six high-ranking Kandal provincial police officers were questioned by the Interior Ministry in connection to the corruption complaint against Chamroeun.
At that time, Chamroeun denied the accusations.
“This is a twisted case,” he said. “I cannot comment in more detail because the Secretariat of Inspector is still investigating the case.”
Political analyst Ly Srey Sros said she welcomed the government’s action against the allegedly corrupt official, but wanted to see Chamroeun taken to court rather than given special treatment or protection.
“It’s just internal discipline — it’s not enough. The ministry should punish him according to the law,” Srey Sros said.
Lieutenant General Chhay Kim Khoeun, spokesman for the National Police, could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
