"PM: Corrupt officials behind unauthorised construction work", 30 July 2019

Prime Minister Hun Sen said … that unauthorised construction may be the result of corrupt officials accepting bribes from developers, and urged the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to take immediate action in such cases.

Hun Sen was speaking as he attended an inspection of the under-construction Morodok Techo National Stadium …, where he also met with sports officials, athletes and garment workers.

…, the ACU detained and questioned three officials from Pursat province after they were caught demanding $100,000 from a landowner in exchange for issuing a construction permit.

…, Hun Sen said it proved that much of the Kingdom’s unauthorised construction was the result of corrupt officials.

“It is a lesson learned in Pursat province. They asked for permission [to construct a building], but the officials demanded money from them. These cases create lawlessness.

“The accounts of the arrest of the three officials from Pursat province are true. When the officials were asked for permission to construct a factory, they demanded money.

… ACU chief Om Yentieng was unavailable for comment on the case ...

Provincial police chief Saron Chanthy … confirmed the men’s arrest: “The ACU is itself holding the three men. They have already been questioned and sent to Phnom Penh for further procedures.”

San Chey, the executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, said the ACU should investigate areas undergoing a construction boom, like Preah Sihanouk province and Bavet and Poipet cities…