The seized property of fugitive former ambassador Nan Sy has so far failed to fetch bidders, denying state coffers some $400,000 embezzled by the disgraced official.

The undeveloped 10 by 20 metre plot in Tuol Kork district was put up for auction last week in an effort to recoup some of the $432,876 stolen by Sy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation while he was ambassador to Brunei in 2008.

Defence lawyer for the ministry, Ky Tech, even invited family members of Sy, who was convicted in absentia last year but fled overseas, to make a bid for the land if they thought the price was good.

The ministry is also seeking 150 million riel in compensation. Police suspect Sy is now in Malaysia, but an embassy official was not aware of a request to the Malaysian government to assist in tracking him down.

To contact the reporter on this story: Buth Reaksmey Kongkea at [email protected]