In a significant legal development, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday charged Muong Khim, a retired Deputy Chief of the Judicial Police Central Security Department, and Uth Thy, a tycoon and owner of a construction business, in connection with a major fraud case. Both individuals face serious charges of corruption and influence trading.
Plong Sophal, a Deputy Prosecutor at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, announced that Uth Thy, also known as Oknha Thy, has been charged with two counts: active trading and influence, as well as corruption. Meanwhile, Khim, who is currently serving as an Advisor to the Ministry of Justice, has been charged with passive trading and influence, and corruption.
The court has also charged two other individuals, Ly Samet and Duong Dara, former advisors and personal assistants to Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Samet and Dara are accused of fraud and are facing similar charges of passive trading, influence, and corruption. This new development follows the arrests of Samet and Dara, who allegedly collected bribes from individuals in exchange for securing government positions and royal titles, using the former Prime Minister’s name.
Khim, Thy, Samet, and Dara now face the possibility of lengthy prison sentences, with each individual at risk of serving between 5 to 10 years in jail if convicted. Colonel Meng Saroeun, a Deputy Chief of the Internal Security Police Office in the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that Khim and Thy were arrested after the initial detentions of Samet and Dara.
The case highlights concerns over corruption within the ranks of former government officials and businessmen, who are accused of exploiting their positions for personal gain. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court will continue to investigate the fraud and corruption charges, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming months.
This case has drawn significant public attention, as it involves high-ranking individuals, including those connected to the former Prime Minister’s administration, and raises questions about the extent of corruption within the country’s political and business elite.
