Soldier arrested for fake plates

Yim Sokan, 35, was arrested on Monday by national and provincial military police in Kampong Speu’s Phnom Sruoch district. Photo supplied

A soldier was arrested on Monday by National and Kampong Speu provincial Military Police for using “fake” Royal Cambodian Armed Forces licence plates, allegedly as part of an illegal timber-hauling operation.

An arrest warrant signed by Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prosecutor Ngin Pich dated January 26 orders Yim Sokan, a First Lieutenant in RCAF’s Tank Unit, to appear at the Information and Security Bureau of the National Military Police before February 23 for questioning over the use of the fake licence plates.

According to a statement posted on the Kampong Speu Military Police Facebook page, authorities carried out Sokan’s arrest on Monday morning in Phnom Sruoch district. Chou Sarun, provincial Military Police chief, could not be reached for comment.

Chea Hean, director of the Natural Resources Wildlife Preservation Organization, which monitors the area, claimed that Sokan had bought the vehicles from his unit and used the RCAF licence plates to facilitate his illegal logging and transport business.

Hean claimed Sokan had operated since 2008 with impunity because he had connections with several officials.

Phnom Penh court spokesman Ly Sophanna and National Military Police spokesman Eng Hy couldn’t be reached for comment.

Contact author: Mech Dara

MOST VIEWED

Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity
At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to
Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games
From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the
Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat
Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to
Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste
Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one
Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24
The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.
Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1
A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the