Kampong Speu senior cop dismissed after public complaints

ING Laychhay, the deputy police chief of Kampong Speu province’s Phnom Sruoch district, has been dismissed from his position at the National Police.

The police chief and two other officials also received written warnings from the interior ministry, according to national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun.

Kim Khoeun said the measures were a result of complaints from people accusing them of aggravated theft, trespassing, illegal detention and aggravated assault and threats, though he did not elaborate.

Provincial governor Vei Samnang said he was aware of the discipline issues and that Laychhay’s actions went against police ethics.

Samnang said Laychhay also did not heed previous warnings.

“It’s not unusual. If he violates the law, he must be responsible because in each institution has a mechanism for monitoring and evaluation.

“We offer guidance for the first, second, and third (violations). If they don’t change, they will be punished,” he said.

Samnang said the decision to terminate Laychhay was up to the national police.

In a letter to national police chief Neth Savoeun, interior ministry state secretary Ang Mongkul said the ministry received two complaints against Laychhay.

After assigning police officers to investigate, the ministry decided to hand over the case to the General Commissariat of the National Police.

Before the dismissal, Laychhay was suspended by interior minister Sar Kheng in connection with a complaint filed by residents concerning a crackdown on Kirirom Entertainment Club.

Tim Leng, chief of the anti-drug bureau; Kim Saroeun, deputy director of crime prevention; and provincial police chief Sam Samoun were given written warnings.