PHNOM PENH: The Phnom Penh Municipal Court issued an order on Sunday to detain Khmer Rise Party leader, Sok Sovann Vathana Sabung, also known as William Guang, and his accomplices at Prey Sar Prison in connection to the robbery case of Ean Sivmey.

The detainment comes after prosecutors formally indicted William Guang and his accomplices for aggravated theft, illegal possession of weapons, and forgery of public documents under Articles 29, 353, 357, 490 and 629 of the Penal Code.

The robbery of Ean Sivmey took place a week ago, where a group of five thieves armed with weapons and impersonating authorities came into the tycoon’s house with a fake arrest warrant to steal some diamonds, jewelry and iPhones worth a total of between $1.6 to $1.9 million.

William Guang and 11 other suspects were arrested the next day by the Phnom Penh Gendarmerie on December 20, at Guang’s residence in Meanchey District, Phnom Penh. During the raid, the Phnom Penh Gendarmerie were able to retrieve the stolen items and also confiscated a total of six firearms.

Guang has admitted to the robbery of Ean Sivmey, stating that it had been planned a day in advance and he had acted as the leader of the five people who came into the tycoon’s house. He stated that the reason he decided to rob her was because he lacks the money to support his livelihood and his party members, and because he has a pessimistic view of the rich who show off their wealth on social media.

He said that he wanted to send a message to rich people who flaunt their wealth, and also admitted to having planned two robberies in the past. The first robbery, he said, was attempted on November 25, targeted at the owner of Borey Mondani in Kong Pisey district, Kampong Speu province, but it failed because the victim was not in the car they robbed as expected. The second robbery was the one targeted at Ean Sivmey.

Guang and his accomplices are currently being held at Prey Sar Prison, where they await trial.