The Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday sentenced a former cleaner at NagaWorld casino to one year in prison for attempting to defraud Cambodian Public Bank of $1.5 million in 2013.

Judge Heng Kesaror also ordered that Chheng Sreymom, 28, pay a fine of 4 million riel (about $1,000) after being found guilty of forgery and using a fake letter.

Chhith Boravuth, a lawyer for Cambodian Public Bank, said that in October 2013, Sreymom went to the bank and presented a letter – printed on forged letterhead with the forged signature of the bank’s manager – acknowledging her $1.5 million balance, and sought to withdraw it.

However, he continued, the account listed contained just $50, and the bank refused to honour the document. But Sreymom returned again and again to present the letter and demand the money, prompting the bank to file a complaint.

In court, Sreymom said she had been induced to pursue the ruse by Chinese gambler Dith Vichey, with whom she was romantically involved.

“[He] taught me to make the false bank letter and promised that he would give me 30 per cent,” she said.