A woman arrested on suspicion of claiming she was the adopted sister of Prime Minister Hun Sen has been charged with fraud, extortion and improper use of the premier’s name in order to do business.

Businesswoman Phan Srey Pao, 25, was arrested at a coffee shop in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district on Monday after businessman Mey Rotha lodged a complaint against her.

Deputy prosecutor at Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Heang Sopheak, said during a hearing on Wednesday that Mey Rotha claimed he paid the woman US$20,000 in belief that she could help him resolve an ongoing land dispute with high-ranking officials. He and his wife got in touch with her because she claimed to be the Prime Minister’s adopted younger sister and a personal advisor to the Cambodian leader, the court heard.

“After receiving money from them she did not work and demand more money,” he alleged. It is claimed Phan Srey Pao asked for $10,000 more, a move which spurred Mey  Rotha to complain to the police.

Phan Srey Pao did not comment when approached by reporters at court.