Court news

Phnom Penh Municipal Court is set to announce a verdict today in a case that has pitted a local mining firm headed by the wife of a two-star general against a Taiwanese company, with each side accusing the other of breach of contract.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Oeung Seang said a decision in the lawsuit brought by Nim Meng Group – which is headed by Lay Sineang, the wife of two-star general Nim Meng – would be handed down today. A decision on the US$96 million suit filed by Hong Tung against Nim Meng Group is still pending.

Hong Tung and Nim Meng Group began working together in July of last year on a copper-mining project in Siem Reap province’s Chi Kraeng district, but this partnership was abruptly terminated in February amid claims from Hong Tung that Nim Meng had seized its equipment.

Nim Meng Group alleges that Hong Tung planned to sell off the mining licence to another company in violation of the joint-venture agreement.

It has also filed a defamation suit against Hong Tung after the Taiwanese firm aired its allegations in the media in April.