Buth Reaskmey Kongkea 

A former Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) officer was yesterday tried by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for allegedly seeking and receiving bribes from complainants to proceed with cases as well as from those complained against to drop investigations.

 Judge Song Bunnarith identified the accused as Touch Tith Vathana, 27, a former officer with the ACU’s International Complaints and Legal Affairs Department.

 Judge Bunnarith said that Tith Vathana was charged with “misappropriation of public funds” under Articles 592 and 593 of the Criminal Code. 

If convicted, he faces a jail term of between two and five years and a fine of $1,000 to $2,500. 

Judge Bunnarith said Vathana was arrested on January 28 by the ACU. 

He said the accused had been tasked to receive, investigate and research complaints and prepare a report for the ACU to take further action. 

He noted that last year, Vathana was suspended from his job because he had used various methods in extorting the money from those who had filed the complaints against corrupt government officials in exchange for taking action.                                            

“While he was suspended, he did not stop his wrongdoing. Although he was no longer responsible for handling the cases, he continued to cheat complainants for his illegal personal gains,” said Judge Bunnarith. “His activities had seriously affected the honour and the reputation of the ACU.” 

According to the court’s documents, the accused took between $500 and $2,000 from the complainants and also from corrupt officials in exchange for not taking action on complaints against them.   

During yesterday's hearing, Vathana, who present in the courtroom, admitted committing the offence. 

He told the court that he took bribes because he was short of money needed to support his family. 

Vathana asked the court to reduce his sentence, suspend it and release him from prison so that he will be able to find a new job and make money to support his family. 

A verdict is due July 14.

 

 

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