Cambodian Police Officers Suspended Over US$9,000 Extortion Allegation

PHNOM PENH: Two senior police officers in Cambodia’s Svay Rieng province have been suspended from duty following allegations that they demanded US$9,000 in exchange for the release of two impounded trucks carrying fabric.

The two officers were identified as Lieutenant Colonel Chhun Chhang, chief of the provincial economic crime police bureau, and Major Yorn Bonavy, the bureau’s deputy chief.

Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Sokha said the suspension was imposed because the two officers had allegedly “violated the discipline of the Cambodian National Police”.

Under the suspension order, both officers are required to report to the personnel office at the Svay Rieng Provincial Police headquarters during working hours until further instructions are issued.

The disciplinary action follows allegations that Chhang demanded US$9,000 to release two fabric-laden trucks that had been detained in Svay Rieng province on Aug 2, 2026.

According to a complaint filed by the truck owner, Sok Rea, Chhang stopped the vehicles on Aug 2 without providing a clear legal explanation.

Rea alleged that despite repeatedly asking for the reason for the detention, Chhang did not identify any specific wrongdoing or legal violation.

The complaint stated that Chhang initially demanded US$10,000 for the release of the two trucks. Following negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to US$9,000.

The trucks were subsequently returned to Rea on Aug 5 after the alleged payment was made.

As part of her complaint to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court, Rea submitted a video that she had recorded. The footage reportedly showed a man identified as Sok Thon counting cash.

Thon was later identified as Chhang’s civilian driver and is not a serving police officer.

He was arrested on Sept 2 under a warrant issued by the Svay Rieng Provincial Court.

The case remains subject to further investigation and legal proceedings.