The Ministry of Interior has issued a “first warning” as part of its administrative measures against Kandal provincial police chief for negligence in his leadership.

National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun told The Post on Sunday the warning came after 50 people claiming to be police officers filed a joint complaint against Eav Chamroeun accusing him of mistreatment and corruption.

“He [Eav Chamroeun] is not all bad, he also has merits. It’s just that his negligence had led to some problems. So we are just taking administrative measures through a warning,” he said.

On whether the allegations made by Chamroeun’s subordinates were true, Kim Khoeun said: “I cannot answer your questions. If you hear it from anyone, just ask them.

“After the warning, we will monitor to see if his management is improved. Otherwise, we will take the next step and decide if more disciplinary actions are warranted.”

A letter signed by Minister of Interior Sar Kheng and seen by The Post on Saturday said the warning was made at the behest of National Police chief Neth Savoeun. It said Chamroeun had been “negligent in his management and leadership”.

“[Chamroeun] has to correct his attitude and mistakes in his leadership. If he acts on the contrary, there will be more disciplinary action by the National Police,” the letter said.

Chamroeun declined to comment on the ministry’s decision and the accusations brought against him.

In late May, the Ministry of Interior summoned six Kandal deputy provincial police chiefs for clarification on a similar complaint brought against Chamroeun.

“[Chamreoun] misused budget for the commune elections and pocketed proceeds from national identity cards registration and 50 per cent of government-funded budget for immigration works,” said the complaint.

“[Chamreoun claimed as his own] a car confiscated by police after it was used to steal Buddhist relics from a loosely guarded stupa atop Oudong Mountain in Ponhea Leu district in 2013.

“He took up to 12 million riel ($3,000) in bribe for promotion of police officers and $800 monthly kickbacks from lottery operations at the Chrey Thom border checkpoint in Koh Thom district.

“Chamreoun also allowed Ly Socheat, the head of economic crime bureau, to take bribes from tax-evading traders,” the complaint said.