A military officer at the Ministry of National Defence’s Inspection Department yesterday was charged for allegedly cheating $20,000 from a business partner.

Colonel Sos Housen, who is posted in Kratie, was arrested after a complaint from Vath Sary, the former partner. According to penal police officer Sok Dararith, Housen had persuaded Sary to join him in buying and selling luxury wood in Kratie and to put down $20,000 as starting capital.

Sary alleged that Housen took the money in July and spent it on non-business activities. When Sary demanded his money back, Housen allegedly told him that the business did not earn income and the money was permanently lost.

“[Housen] was arrested in Kratie province based on Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s warrant for arrest,” Dararith said.

Housen was charged with fraud under articles 377 and 378 of the penal code. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison.

The colonel could not be reached for comment yesterday.