A local businesswoman is facing 8 months in prison after being found guilty of fraud yesterday by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

Presiding Judge Sous Sam Ath said Heang Chanthy, 32, must also pay $2,500 in compensation and return $52,000 to businessman Sok Sokun.

Chanthy was to have purchased 136 hectares of land from farmers in Kampong Thom’s Baray district for Sokun, who paid her $120,000, but had instead pocketed the money, Sam Ath said.

“Based on the hearing, the court has found Heang Chanthy guilty, but the court has decided to change her charge from faking a document to fraud,” judge Sous Sam Ath said.

Chanthy, arrested by military police in June, said she only received $70,000 of the $120,000 Sokun owed for the land.

“I absolutely deny these accusations and ask the court to find the truth and justice for me,” she said.

Sok Sukon and his lawyer could not be reached for comment yesterday.