KEP: The Mayor of Kep, Kheng Yuan, was removed from office on corruption charges by Prime Minister Hun Manet on January 12, 2024. The move is part of a wider campaign under the new administration to tackle corruption in the courts, the police and government officials. The government is in what it calls the “surgery” phase to remove corruption from the systemic body.

In a social media post on July 12, the Prime Minister said that the Anti-Corruption Unit has completed a thorough investigation on the mayor and found that he was using his position to commit acts that harm the interests of the state and the Cambodian people.

"Today, I need to implement the fifth approach, ‘surgery ‘, by signing to terminate the position of Kep’s mayor, who has used the power of his position to commit acts that affect the interests of the state and the interests of many people. This decision is based on a clear investigation of the Anti-Corruption Unit."

He asked that all government officials at the national and regional levels do their duty to serve the people so as to avoid being “surgically” removed from their positions. The PM stated that the Royal Government will continue to take a firm stand in removing officials who commit crimes that seriously affect the interests of the nation and the people.

Anti-Corruption Unit spokesperson Soy Chanvichet confirmed to EAC by telephone that Kheng Yuan was detained on the evening of January 11, 2024 for using his power for personal gain. Prior to his termination and that of another administrative director, they had been brought in for questioning on January 2 and were allowed to return home.