Thong Sarath, the tycoon charged with masterminding the killing of Shimmex Group chairman Ung Meng Cheu, was questioned yesterday at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

Investigating judge Ly Sok Leng said that Sarath, who was arrested in Vietnam on April 16 after almost five months on the run, was called to offer further details about his alleged crimes.

“I summonsed him for further questioning related to his use and holding of weapons inside his houses and the murder of Oknha Ung Meng Cheu,” he said.

Sok Leng declined to give further details yesterday, but said that questioning of the tycoon is “not completely finished yet”.

Following his arrest, the former Royal Cambodian Armed Forces major general and president of the Meanchey International Investment Company was swiftly charged with premeditated murder and possession of weapons.

The charges relate to the murder of Meng Cheu, who was shot dead on a busy Phnom Penh street on November 22.

Sarath’s lawyer Kea Eav said his client was called yesterday to elaborate on answers that he had given on the day of his arrest, which had been deemed inadequate.

Following his questioning, Sarath was sent back to Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison where he is being held in pre-trial detention alongside his parents and five bodyguards, who are allegedly implicated in the crimes.