A former police officer yesterday faced trial over allegations he scammed more than $1.5 million from his friend and past employer by registering company land in his own name.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court heard Pech Hy, 36, was hired by close friend Srey Chanthan, president of 7NG and Agricultural Safety Trading, in 2006.

According to Chanthan’s lawyer Lay Nora, Hy was given $1,527,651 to buy land from villagers in Kandal province’s Khsach Kandal district on behalf the company between 2006 and 2009.

The court heard the suspect registered the property in his own name and then disappeared.

According to Brigadier General Sok Khemrin, deputy chief of the Ministry of Interior’s Penal Police, Hy remained in hiding until Chanthan discovered his former employee was working as a police officer.

Arrested in July last year, Hy has denied the charges, which include “breach of trust” under articles 391 and 392 of penal code.

Hy acknowledged receiving the money – which Chanthan wants back – but said the land titles were submitted to the company.