A man fronted a press conference yesterday at the National Military Police Headquarters in Toul Kork district and spoke of his role in kidnapping So Akno, the son of Lieutenant General So Phan, deputy director of the general commissariat of the National Police.

Suth Sophy, 38, who was arrested on Tuesday, said that after So Akno’s kidnapping on October 3, he drove him to a rented house in Toek Laak I commune, Toul Kork district.

So Akno was kidnapped while driving a car near his house in village 3, Chroy Changva commune, Russey Keo district.

The kidnappers demanded US$1 million from his family for his release, but after negotiations, the figure was reduced and So Akno was released for an undisclosed amount on October 23.

Suth Sophy claimed to have received US$10,000 for transporting So Akno, but said he had no more involvement.

Sear Sambath, chief of the Office of Crime Offense of National Military Police, said authorities spent 44 days investigating and tracking Suth Sophy before arresting him.

Sear Sambath said 44-year-old Lim Thy and 38-year-old Lvea Chek, two Cambodians believed to be living in France,  were suspected ringleaders, while 32-year-old Klee Sophy, believed to have escaped to Thailand, Cheat Vichet, 23, and a person known as Van were also wanted.  

“They rented a villa to detain the victim and carry out the kidnapping,” he said. “They spent $13,500 on three guns, 50 bullets and two cars for the kidnapping.”

Authorities searched a villa on Wednesday in Toek Laak I commune, Toul Kork district, where they found string, sticky tape, a diary book and a gun cover.

So Phan could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Suth Sophy will face court today.