Two managers at LXR, a petrol company based in Kampong Cham province, were charged yesterday with stealing nearly 20,000 litres of petrol from the firm.

Kampong Siem district branch manager Sem Soeun, 39, and deputy manager Chea Socheath, 34, were arrested on Wednesday, according to Keo Sarith, a Phnom Penh municipal police officer.

“They were charged by the court with stealing,” Sarith said. Both suspects are being held.

The two men were held responsible for losses from September 29 of last year through July, equivalent to $20,000, according to complaints filed with provincial police.

The accused and their defence lawyers could not be reached for comment yesterday.

While the alleged crime was committed in Kampong Cham, the duo’s arrest last week took place in Phnom Penh’s Por Sen Chey district.

They are now being held in Prey Sar prison, awaiting trial.