PHNOM PENH: The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) detained Lay Samnang, the Deputy Director of the Department of Finance and Supply, under the Ministry of Social Affairs, on Tuesday evening, 10 January 2023, in connection to the embezzlement of almost US $380,000 from the social assistance fund for underprivileged persons with disabilities.

The Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Om Yentieng, verified to EAC News that Lay Samnang was sent to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court this morning.

He stated that Lay Samnang's arrest came about as a result of an investigation by the Ministry of Social Affairs that uncovered evidence that Lay Samnang had stolen around US $380,000 intended for the social assistance fund for underprivileged persons with disabilities. There are around 4,000 persons with disabilities living in poverty in Cambodia.

Previously, on 14 November 2022, the police arrested also arrested a Takhmao commune clerk named Sok Sopha and sent him to the Anti-Corruption Unit on the evening of 16 November in connection to the embezzlement of more than 60 million riel that was intended for the social assistance fund for poor and vulnerable families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Article 598 of the Penal Code, public servants who are found to be involved in illegal exploitation of their position shall receive a punishment of two to five years in prison, and a fine of four to 10 million riel.

In addition, according to Article 38 of the Law on "Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing", a person who commits embezzlement or money laundering shall face two to five years in prison, as well as a fine of 100 million to 500 million riel.