Corruption cases

A police officer working for the court in Pursat province’s Krakor district is being detained in provincial prison following his arrest on Friday, possibly on charges relating to an abuse of power, police said yesterday.

Deputy district police chief Mol Sokh said that provincial judge Mao Sina had issued an arrest warrant accusing the officer Hang Bunthoeun, 53, of committing an unspecified crime during the performance of his duties.

“According to the arrest warrant, Bunthoeun was charged with [crimes related to] criminality and a misdemeanor,” said Sokh, who was unsure of the exact charge.

“He might have abused his power, bribed the court or denied a law enforcement order issued by the court.”

Judge Sina confirmed that he had been handling the case against Bunthoeun, but declined to comment further. “It is the secret work of the court, and I will not comment until there is a public hearing,” he said.