A deputy commune chief was arrested by Meanchey district police on Saturday after having allegedly forged official documents in return for cash, according to comments by National Police chief Neth Savoeun published yesterday on the National Police website.

“In Phnom Penh in the past few days, a commune police chief in Meanchey district faked the seal of the district police chief for a family in exchange for $80,” Savoeun was reported as saying. “This forgery is completely criminal and therefore he needs to be sent to court.”

Meanchey district police chief Teng Sino declined to comment beyond confirming the suspect’s name and job title.“He was the Boeung Tompun deputy commune chief and his name is Keo Saravuth,” said Sino. “The municipal police are working on this issue.”

Municipal penal police chief Eng Sorphea could not be reached for comment.

San Chey of good governance watchdog ANSA said that while he was not familiar with Saravuth’s case, he hoped the arrest might “help reduce the systemic bribery” in Cambodia.