The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has referred an official from its own legal affairs, complaints and external affairs department to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for professional misconduct. In a separate case, the anti-corruption body also sought clarification from a senior National Defence University official over “corrupt” practice in the performance of his role.

In a letter seen by The Post on January 29, the ACU said its internal investigation team had been collecting information and listening to statements surrounding Touch Tith Vathana, a 27-year-old official from the department.

Following questioning and collection of evidence, the official was found to have violated the provisions on bribery under Article 592 of the Criminal Code and Article 32 of the anti-corruption law.

The letter read Tith Vathana had used various methods related to his responsibility for examining complaints for personal gains. And while he was suspended from work, he had continued his illegal activities and taken advantage of his access to some complaints for which he was not responsible.

“The ACU decided to send the suspect to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on January 28, 2022, for further legal procedures,” the letter said.

The anti-corruption body encouraged the public to immediately come forward if anybody claims to hold an official position within the ACU and offers to facilitate any illegal activity.

Municipal court prosecutor office spokesman Plang Sophal told The Post on January 30 that the prosecution had already opened an investigation into the case and referred it to the investigative judge under Articles 592 and 593 of the Criminal Code. He referred reporters to municipal court spokesman Y Rin, who could not be reached for comment.

In a separate letter on January 26, the ACU requested that Chan Ponleuk, vice-rector of the National Defence University, clarify some alleged irregularities in the performance of his role.

Citing various complaints, the letter said Ponleuk had allegedly demanded university administrative staff to pay him between one and two million riel ($250 and $500) weekly or monthly. Those who graduated from the university and wished to work at the university were asked to pay $3,000 to $4,000 a month.

The letter continued that Ponleuk also made students pay $500 for one session, while those who suspended their studies were told to pay $500 a year. If those students wanted to continue studying, they had to pay an additional $300-$500.

More seriously, he allegedly required those applying for the position of vice-rector to pay him $10,000 to $15,000; those applying for the position of chief were asked to pay $5,000 to $ 8,000. Ponleuk was also accused of being involved in embezzlement to the amount of more than $400,000 since last April.

Several other acts of misconduct and embezzlement were detailed by the ACU in accordance with the complaint, covering tens of thousands of dollars.

“Please clarify this case and provide the required documents to the ACU in a timely manner. Your explanations will be taken into account before the ACU makes the decision to end the investigation or proceed with the complaint,” it said.

The ACU did not confirm the exact date by which Ponleuk must provide answers. The accused could not be reached for comment on January 31.