PHNOM PENH: On October 29, authorities arrested a man who claimed to be a member of the royal family in order to write an official letter inviting a popular monk to speak at a festival.

The suspect, Hak Udom, admitted that he had indeed prepared a fake royal letter by pretending to be a relative of the royal family. He was able to obtain a royal letterhead and rent a computer in town to invite the Venerable Chanavasi Chanmony, a well-respected monk, to perform a dharma talk during the Kathen Festival ceremony at a pagoda in Kampot.

The Kathen Festival is an important religious celebration for Cambodians following the Pchum Ben Festival. When pagodas host a popular guest for the ceremony, people often send money to the pagoda. It is possible the suspect was aiming to benefit from the donations.

The National Police Commission called on the public to be wary of sharing false information that could become a stepping stone to scams for which perpetrators will be held accountable.