KANDAL: The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has summoned the director of the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment, Pov Somanak, to clarify some cases of irregularities related to the performance of his duties. This is according to a letter sent by ACU to Pov Somanak on 28 December 2022.

ACU Spokesperson, Soy Chanvichet, confirmed to EAC News on Thursday, 12 January 2023, that the Director of the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment had received the unit's letter, and he is in the process of preparing relevant documents to clarify the situation.

The Spokesperson could not specify when Pov Somanak would come in to the ACU, however, the unit is continuing its investigation into the case. The Director of the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment has been accused of extorting money from officials who did not come to work at US $200 per person per month. He is also accused of embezzling a budget of 59 million riel for personal gain, which the Ministry provided to the department to set up a tree nursery.

There is also the issue of his officers' charging costs for document processing that exceed state service fees, and demanding many firms, factories, and handicraft businesses to make a monthly payment in return for not pursuing legal action.

"First, the Anti-Corruption Unit requires him to come and clarify the case, and we will review and consider whether to end the investigation or continue the procedure," the Spokesperson said.

The ACU first received a complaint against Pov Somanak, Director of the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment, on 15 December 2022.