On August 11, the political scene in Cambodia was once again stirred. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sokha signed an executive order to suspend the duties of the Vice Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), Sao Bora. This decision marks a critical investigative phase in a major fraud case involving millions of dollars previously linked to Leng Channa.
The case affects thousands of victims in Battambang and Siem Reap provinces, including ordinary citizens and local government officials, with a large amount of money involved and a complex chain of events. Since the case was filed on July 3, 2025, the ACU has identified several key suspects, including high-ranking officials within the ACU and military and political figures such as Deputy Secretary of State for Defense, Sa Tavei, highlighting the political and judicial sensitivity of the case.
Sao Bora, who also serves as the Secretary of State for Education, Youth and Sports, has been required to report daily to the ACU and fully cooperate with the investigation. The suspension is intended to prevent interference with evidence collection and case proceedings. The senior government officials reiterated that all involved, regardless of their positions, will be prosecuted according to the law to ensure judicial transparency and uphold the national integrity and public trust.
This incident has caused a strong reaction in Cambodian society, with widespread public support for a thorough investigation of corruption and calls for severe punishment of the officials involved, serving as a deterrent to others. Meanwhile, the ACU is intensifying internal reforms in an attempt to rebuild public confidence in the fight against corruption.
As the investigation progresses, more details about the case may be revealed. This anti-corruption storm not only has the potential to shake the political landscape of Cambodia but also serves as a reminder to the international community that building integrity is a long-term battle and anti-corruption efforts must be relentless.
