The two-star military general who has been dismissed from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces after being arrested in Svay Rieng province for smuggling 28 Chinese nationals in violation of the government-imposed travel ban was placed in pre-trial detention on April 24.

Sum Pov, who served as the deputy chief of the Military Strategy Research Team of the army's infantry, and his five accomplices have been charged on three counts, according to Svay Rieng provincial court spokesman Tep Phalla.

Phalla told The Post that the six had been charged with human trafficking and conspiring under articles 13 and 15 of the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation and Article 29 of the Criminal Code; instigating the illegal use of uniforms for the public authorities under articles 28 and 612 of the Criminal Code; and using falsified public documents under Article 79 of the road traffic law and Article 630 of the Criminal Code.

They face up to 26 years in prison and a fine of up to 12 million riel ($2,500) if found guilty.

The former RCAF lieutenant general and his five accomplices were arrested on April 21 while smuggling 28 Chinese nationals from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng province.

Before his arrest, Pov had received a mission letter from his superior authorising him to travel through the capital and province from April 1 to May 30.

After receiving the letter, Pov facilitated the smuggling but they were intercepted by Svay Rieng provincial police.