The Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF) has refuted claims of corruption after a TikTok user posted videos purportedly showing CCF officials extorting money from a petrol station.
According to a CCF clarification letter dated October 3, Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak ordered an investigation after viewing the videos. Clarification had been received from both the officials at the centre of the allegations and the station owner.
The letter said both the officials and owner had submitted gasoline inspection documents showing that the station had employed dishonest business practices. One instance of non-compliance was discovered in May and another in August. In both instances, warnings and fines had been issued, with receipts for payment recorded as required by legislation.
It said the station owner had confessed that his family members were the ones who posted the video because of their bitterness at the fines and warning for breaching consumer protection laws.
“Investigation showed that CCF officials had complied with all legal procedures and regulations. The allegations were baseless, and the station owner’s confession confirmed this,” it said.
CCF called on all business owners throughout the country to adhere to all consumer regulations and respect the rights of their customers. It warned that those who spread fake news or slandered law enforcement officers may face legal action.
CCF director-general Phan Oun told The Post on October 4 that the case happened in Kampot province and that the depot owner was a veteran.
Oun said his officials had fined the man one million riel [$250] for the dishonest business practice as a warning. Despite this, his children were unhappy and posted the false accusations on the popular video-sharing app.
“Criminal allegations that affect the professional reputations of public servants must be punished. But due to his confession and the fact that he did not deny his earlier wrongdoing, we are not pursing further action. I am sure he will dwell on his error for some time,” he added.
