A district police chief accused of embezzling nearly $700,000 was charged by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday with misappropriating public funds and illegally pilfering from the national budget.

Meanchey district police chief Hy Narin was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Unit on Wednesday and has now been sent to Prey Sar prison. Oum Sopheak, a deputy prosecutor at the court, confirmed the charges yesterday.

If Narin is found guilty he could face between four and 10 years in prison, and a fine ranging from 4-20 million riel ($1000-$5000), he said. Neither Narin nor his lawyer could be reached for comment yesterday.