The Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Identification (GDI) is investigating allegations of corruption at its passport branch in Battambang province.
If any wrongdoing is discovered, legal action will ensue, with no exceptions, said a senior GDI official.
Say Meng Chheang, deputy director-general of the GDI, confirmed on March 6 that an investigation was underway, but said no conclusion had yet been made.
His statement followed the sharing of several voicemails and documents, which were alleged to show staff at the passport office discussing misappropriated funds and the inappropriate use of state resources.
“The GDI has instructed the department’s Disciplinary Council to examine this matter closely. If it is discovered that there is truth to the allegations, the National Police will be called in to assemble a case and the perpetrators will face legal action,” added Meng Chheang.
He called on the public, as well as the media, not to share images of unit leaders or public officials in connection with this case, as this could lead to confusion and impugn the reputation of the unit as well as individual officials.
Battambang provincial deputy governor Soeum Bunrith explained that although the alleged wrongdoing took place in the province, it is not under the jurisdiction of the provincial administration.
“As the provincial authority, we cannot comment on this case, as it is outside of our jurisdiction. Please contact the GDI,” he said.
Mark Ton, deputy police chief in charge of identification for the Battambang provincial police, said he only provided national ID cards to the residents of the province.
“When it comes to the issuance of passports, only officials from the ministry can do so. As provincial police officers, we cannot,” he said.
