A 40-year-old soldier who pretended to be a major general in a “Special Intelligence Unit” headed by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s son in order to take $17,000 in bribes from “recruits” was sentenced to five years in jail yesterday.

Nguon Seng Satya, who was actually a major, was found guilty by Judge Svay Tonh on a slew of charges.

“The court sentences the accused, Nguon Seng Satya, alias Toch Seng, aged 40, to five years in prison and a fine of 6 million riel [about $1,500] for fraud, possessing and transporting a gun without permission, forging public documents and using uniforms similar to that of the police and military,” Judge Tonh said. “The court will allow the accused to file an appeal as allowed by the law.”

Seng Satya met “recruits” for the imaginary unit – which he claimed was headed by Lieutenant General Hun Manet – at a restaurant near the Defence Ministry last year, and received up to $3,000 from each for positions.

Seng Satya did not appear in court for his sentencing, and his lawyer, Sam Sokong, could not be reached. Manet did not respond to request for comment.