Cambodia: Citizen Files Complaint with Ministry of Interior Over Theft Investigation Procedures

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the family of Kong Rotana, an individual accused in a theft case, has officially filed a complaint with the Ministry of Interior, alleging serious irregularities in the investigation and arrest procedures. The complaint was submitted on September 21, 2026. The case pertains to the investigation and arrest related to a theft incident at Wat Svay Math temple in the Kumpol district. The family claims that there were significant issues in the investigative process, the arrest, and the procedures concerning the rights of the accused. Specifically, the family has highlighted the alleged failure to submit records of seized evidence to the court in accordance with legal procedures, urging a thorough investigation by the authorities. The complaint names the following five law enforcement officials: 1. Brigadier General Bun Sathya, Deputy Commissioner of Criminal Affairs, Phnom Penh Municipal Police. 2. Colonel Hong Pisith, Inspector of Kumpol District Police. 3. Lieutenant Colonel Sok Sivutha, Deputy Inspector of Kumpol District Police. 4. Lieutenant Colonel Ke Thian Ann, Department Chief of Kumpol District Police. 5. Lieutenant Colonel Nhoh Seri, Chief of Prate Lang Administrative Police Post. This complaint raises questions about how the Ministry of Interior will investigate whether the procedures followed in this case comply with laws and directives. The public is awaiting the outcome of the Ministry of Interior's investigation to clarify these allegations and to ensure that legal procedures were correctly implemented, with transparency. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior could not be reached for comment at this time. Source: CEN Cambodia