Kandal provincial court has charged a 41-year-old man with public-letter fraud after he was arrested on suspicion of distributing business cards and documents claiming he was an official in Prime Minister Hun Sen’s cabinet.

Sdoeung Saroeun, a Kandal native, was arrested October 30 in Prek Chiek village, in Ponhea Leu district’s Koh Chin commune, after villagers suspected his credentials were fraudulent and tipped off police.

“He was arrested because he pretended that he had a role within the Prime Minister’s cabinet and used that title to further his business in cities and provinces throughout Cambodia,” said Kandal province police chief Eav Chamroeun.

He said the accused used his fake title to buy land from villagers, though he could not confirm how much was purchased, or in what provinces.

Ouk Kimseth, prosecutor of Kandal provincial court, said the accused was being detained at the provincial prison and would be held until investigations were completed.

“We are now investigating the case and we think that if the accused is found guilty, he will be jailed for a period of between five and 15 years,” he said.

Earlier this year, Hun Sen urged authorities to arrest and punish any fraudsters trying to use his name to further their business prospects.