A warrant was issued for the arrest of Chay Phanny, 59, in June, but it was only just made public. Supplied
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the wife of an unnamed senior official, in connection with allegations of cheque fraud.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court issued the warrant for Chay Phanny, 59, in June, but it was only just made public.
The warrant was signed by Investigating Judge Koy Sao on June 13, after the accused allegedly evaded an earlier February summons from the investigating judge dated February 23.
“After a thorough investigation, it has been determined that the accused, Chay Phanny, born on January 1, 1965, is under investigation for breach of trust and failure to fulfil obligations regarding negotiable instruments, offenses committed in Phnom Penh in 2022,” explains the warrant.
“These are criminal acts punishable under Articles 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, and Article 231 of the Law on Negotiable Instruments and Payment Transactions,” it adds.
The warrant goes on to say that the arrest order is based on the fact that the charges carry a medium-term prison sentence, and that to ensure the completion of the investigation, it is necessary to arrest Phanny and bring her before the investigating judge to answer questions related to the case.
The warrant concludes: “Therefore, it is ordered that Chay Phanny be arrested. Public forces are instructed to locate and apprehend the accused and bring her to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for legal proceedings.”
When asked about the case, the municipal court spokesperson Y Rin said briefly that he would have to check the details before making any comment.
This week, a related fraud case involving Oknha Ly Sameth also shocked the public. Senate president Hun Sen revealed allegations that former Lvea Em district governor Kan Sokkay was defrauded of $300,000 by government advisor Ly Sameth.
He claimed that Sameth used his name to deceive several others, with some cases involving amounts of up to $10 million.
Hun Sen urged the Ministry of Justice to investigate the case and instructed the victims to file lawsuits through his legal team.
Justice ministry spokesperson Chin Malin confirmed that the court is currently looking into the matter.
