The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has closed its investigation into the chief of police in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district, saying in a statement that allegations he took a $9,000 bribe to release a prisoner were unfounded.

In its statement, dated Monday, the ACU said that last year police in Russey Keo, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Teang Chansar, raided a home and arrested El Mousann, an alleged drug dealer. The anonymous complaint alleged that Chansar later released him in exchange for $9,000.

Chansar, however, denied the accusation, saying that Mousann had been arrested based on court warrants from investigating judges issued in 2013 and 2014.

After that, Mousann was sent to the municipal court, where he was charged with drug trafficking by prosecutor Ly Sophana, before being sent on to Prey Sar prison, where he remains.

Prey Sar prison chief Srun Leang yesterday confirmed that Mousann had been sentenced to four years in prison, and was still in custody.

“He now is still serving his term of punishment in prison. He has not been released yet,” he said.