Kandal provincial police are investigating the case of a Ponhea Loeu district police chief who was accused of detaining an elderly man, then extorting money from him in exchange for his release, authorities say.

Brigadier General Eav Chamroeun, the chief of Kandal provincial police, said Thlang Phinra, chief of Ponhea Loeu district police, was accused of arresting Seav Phoeuk, 78, for illegal gambling on May 6, then letting him go three days later after reportedly soliciting a US$1,100 bribe for his release.

“We have already sent our provincial police experts to investigate these accusations,” said Eav Chamroeun said.

Seav Phoeuk said he had been arrested when authorities raided a dice game in Brork Kdar village, in Ponhea Loeu district’s Vihear Luong commune.

He was detained for two days and three nights at the Ponhea Loeu district police station, where he was initially asked to pay police $1,800.

Eventually, he was released after paying $1,100 to Thlang Phinra.

Under Cambodian law, illegal detention for a period greater than 48 hours and less than a month carries a punishment of three to five years in jail.

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