Education dep’t chief faces probe over $75,000 salary scam

 


Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

A six-member team of Ministry of Interior have started a probe into scam allegations raised by teachers against education department director in Tboung Khmum province.

 In Povsambath, the provincial education, youth and sports department chief, has allegedly swindled nearly $75,000 by forging documents of 113 contract teachers between 2021 and 2022. 

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Spokesperson Ros Soveacha said yesterday that the investigation was launched after the teachers protested and lodged a complaint against the official. 

In their complaint submitted to Hang Chuon Narun, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, the teachers alleged that Povsambath swindled the money by producing fake expenditures and slashing their salaries. 

Soveacha added that the Ministry will investigate the case thoroughly before taking an action against the allegations. 

“The working group of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is still conducting the investigation and gathering evidences in order to submit it to the Ministry to make a final decision,” Soveacha told Khmer Times yesterday. 

“The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports always believe in the promotion of four principles - law, justice, transparency and acceptance,” he added. 

Sar Sina, Chief of Provincial Information Department and also the Spokesman at the Tboung Khmum Provincial Hall, said yesterday that if  Povsambath found to be guilty of the allegations raised by the teachers it will be a black mark on the ministry as well as other related officials.

“I have heard and seen many allegations and documents produced against In Povsambath on social media platforms. But I was not sure whether they were true or not,” Sina said, adding that, “truth will come out when the Ministry of Interior team complete the probe”.

     

He added that if the investigation proves Povsambath has committed the fraud, he must face legal action in accordance with the laws and should be fired from the job.

 

Povsambath could not be reached for comment yesterday.


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