A security guard at the Cambodian Embassy in Malaysia was fired on Sunday amid allegations he attempted to extract nearly $1,400 in bribes from a Cambodian maid seeking repatriation.
A statement issued yesterday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not the first time that Ahtam Rosattea had been disciplined for graft during his two years working at the embassy.
“Her Excellency the ambassador held an urgent meeting with all embassy officers and staff on Sunday morning,” the statement noted. “Ahtam Rosattea had been warned once already in 2015 after demanding money from a Cambodian migrant worker, and a decision was taken to dismiss him.”
The statement identified Rosattea’s latest mark as Khloy Mony of Kandal province’s Sa’ang district. Mony arrived in Malaysia last year after being tricked by a broker who brought her there to work as a maid, according to the statement. Rosattea is alleged to have tried to exploit her at the embassy gate after she ran away from her employer to seek assistance.
“Because she wanted to come back to Cambodia, she came to the embassy twice at 6am,” the statement reads. “She met with a man who demanded 1,500 ringgit [$372], and 4,000 ringgit [$992] the second time in return for her coming home.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry confirmed Rosattea’s dismissal yesterday.
“He demanded money but he didn’t get it,” Sounry said.
