Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has ordered authorities to prosecute anyone who impersonates a member of the Kingdom’s law enforcement or military.
Sar Sokha issued the directive in a social media post this afternoon, October 23.
He warned that impersonating officials, forging public documents or official identification cards, and unlawfully wearing or counterfeiting official uniforms constitute criminal offences.
He explained that civilians who impersonate law enforcement officers and conduct searches, intimidation, threats or unlawful arrests and detentions to obtain benefits from members of the public are also committing criminal offences.
Sokha also warned that ministry officials who abuse their authority by unlawfully intimidating, searching or detaining innocent people to coerce them into providing benefits to themselves or their associates would face disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
He said such misconduct, particularly extortion, must not be tolerated.
“Those responsible must be dismissed from the civil service. Cases should be referred to the Anti-Corruption Unit for further action, with no exceptions,” he added.
Sokha thanked members of the public for their feedback, and urged all members of the public, as well as civil servants, particularly police officers, to report suspected cases of impersonation and abuse of authority.
He stressed that the relevant authorities must act on any such complaints.
Mmembers of the public should submit complainst to the nearest authorities, and also submit complaints through the interior ministry’s General Inspectorate online complaint system at https://css-gdin.interior.gov.kh/home.
Several cases have recently emerged. On October 20, the Siem Reap military police arrested two suspects over the alleged use of counterfeit military uniforms to solicit money and goods from members of the public under the pretext of supporting frontline troops.
The arrests took place at Phsar Leu Thom Thmey market, in Siem Reap town.
The suspects reportedly solicited donations of cash and goods at pagodas, markets and people’s homes, claiming that they would be used to support frontline troops. Instead, they allegedly sold the items and kept the proceeds for personal benefit.
Authorities seized military uniforms, military caps, mobile phones and other related documents as evidence. The case is currently before the courts.