Nine sworn or contract Phnom Penh traffic police officers were called in for questioning today, July 4, following allegations that they demanded a $300 bribe from an Indonesian driver.
Reports circulated on social media that the officers, who are based at the Preah Sakyak Mony Chedey roundabout in Daun Penh district’s Srah Chak commune, initially stopped the man’s car to check his documents.
Although he presented a valid ASEAN driver’s license, the officers allegedly continued to ask for more documents and then demanded $300. The man claimed to have negotiated the figure down to $50, but was reportedly asked for an additional 4,000 riel shortly afterward.
These details were confirmed in a statement issued this morning by the Phnom Penh Municipal Police.
Phnom Penh Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Chuon Narin ordered the deputy commissioner in charge of human resources to summon the nine officers for questioning. They included both full-time traffic officers and contract staff who were present at the roundabout.
The police announced that they are conducting an internal investigation to gather comprehensive and accurate information from all angles. A detailed report will be prepared and submitted for further review, with any decision making will be based on these findings.
Narin reminded all officers enforcing traffic laws to uphold ethics and professionalism, and maintain the dignity expected of the national police force. He emphasised the importance of applying legal measures with the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.
“Any officer found to be undisciplined or lacking in the ethical and professional standards of the national police, will be subject to strict disciplinary action, without exception,” added a municipal police statement.
During a nationwide traffic enforcement operation in the month of June, a total of 11,192 vehicles were inspected at checkpoints. They included 95 large commercial vehicles, 4,479 private automobiles and 6,618 motorcycles. A total of 8,386 vehicles were found to be in breach of traffic regulations.
