PHNOM PENH: The leader of the Khmer Rise Party, Sok Sovann Vathana Sabung (also known as William Guang), was arrested on Monday along with 13 other suspects (including 4 women) connected to the robbery of the tycoon Ean Sivmey.

The arrest took place at a villa in Borey Peng Huoth in Meanchey District, Phnom Penh, coming after the tycoon Ean Sivmey was robbed of three diamond necklaces, other jewelry and iPhones worth a total of 1.6 - 1.9 million dollars on Sunday.

The robbers were disguised as competent authorities who came into the tycoon’s house with a fake arrest warrant and handcuffs to steal the items.

The Phnom Penh Gendarmerie reported that they were able to recover the stolen diamonds during the arrest, and also confiscated five firearms.

Meanwhile, the Phnom Penh Municipal Police also stated in a post on their official Facebook page that they searched and chased the car that was identified during the robbery, but the driver escaped when he reached a forest. The police are reportedly besieging the forest area to search for the suspect.

They also stated finding a bottle of petrol in the abandoned car, leading the police to make the initial conclusion that the suspect intended to burn and destroy the evidence.