Three Police Officials Under Scrutiny for Seizing $1,000 from Sex Abuse Victim's Mother

In Cambodia's Battambang province, three police officials are being summoned for questioning by the provincial police headquarters' personnel office over allegations of seizing $1,000 from the mother of a girl who was a victim of sexual exploitation. The issue came to light after the victim's family reported it on social media, drawing strong public criticism. According to sources, the officials in question belong to the Phnom Ek district police station in Battambang province, and include the district police chief. The incident began with a case of sexual exploitation against a 12-year-old girl in the same district. The suspect was identified as a 60-year-old school principal, whom the victim's mother caught in the act and subsequently filed a police report. However, during the settlement negotiations that followed, police officers allegedly confiscated $1,000 from the victim's family as part of the settlement. In response to these allegations, the Battambang Provincial Police Chief has immediately ordered an investigation by the specialized department. The three involved police officers are currently being questioned by the personnel office, and details such as whether they actually received the money and the circumstances surrounding it are being thoroughly investigated. This case highlights the serious issues of corruption within law enforcement agencies in Cambodia and secondary victimization of sexual exploitation victims. Voices of anger against the police officers' misconduct are spreading on social media, and a swift and fair response from the authorities is demanded. Meanwhile, the suspect, the school principal accused of sexual exploitation, was arrested approximately one month after the incident came to light. However, the outcome of the investigation into the police officers' alleged misconduct and their subsequent disciplinary action remain a key point of attention. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer