Arya News - The two officials were identified as Lieutenant Colonel Chhun Chhang, chief of the provincial economic crime police bureau, and Major Yorn Bonavy, the bureau’s deputy chief.
PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Interior has suspended two senior officers from the Svay Rieng Provincial police headquarters from duty, following allegations that they extorted $9,000 in exchange for the release of two impounded fabric trucks.
The two officials were identified as Lieutenant Colonel Chhun Chhang, chief of the provincial economic crime police bureau, and Major Yorn Bonavy, the bureau’s deputy chief.
Minister of Interior Sar Sokha stated that the suspension was issued because the two officers “violated the discipline of the Cambodian National Police”.
Under the terms of the suspension, both officers must report to the personnel office at the Svay Rieng Provincial police headquarters during working hours until a further decision is made.
The disciplinary action follows reports that Chhang demanded $9,000 to release two trucks carrying fabric in Svay Rieng province on August 2, 2026.
According to a complaint filed by the truck owner, Sok Rea, Chhang intercepted her vehicles on August 2 without providing a clear legal reason. Despite her requests for an explanation, Chhang reportedly failed to specify any wrongdoing or legal infraction.
The complaint alleged that Chhang initially demanded $10,000 for the release of the two trucks. However, after negotiations, the amount was reduced to $9,000. The vehicles were eventually returned to the owner on August 5, after payment was made.
Rea’s complaint to the Svay Rieng provincial court included a video she recorded, which showed a man subsequently named as Sok Thon counting the cash. Thon was later identified as Chhang’s civilian driver, and is not a serving police officer.
He was arrested on September 2, under a warrant issued by the Svay Rieng Provincial Court.