The Ministry of Justice has suspended the chief prosecutor in Kampong Speu province, officials said Tuesday.
Prosecutor Kong Seth was suspended after an investigation found seven counts of irregularities in his duties, including the extortion of money from fuel distributors and illegal logging, according to the ministry.
Following an investigation last year, the ministry forwarded its findings to the disciplinary committee of the Supreme Council of Magistracy.
Justice Minister Ang Vongwatana was not available for comment, but a ministry official said on condition of anonymity the suspension came after approval from Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Kampong Speu Governor Kang Heang told VOA Khmer that Kong Seth had been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.
Kong Seth could not be reached for comment. His wife, Lim Nei, told VOA Khmer the suspension was unfair.
A Cambodian lawyer called the suspension a warning to other prosecutors and judges who may ignore the rules, as the government continues to promise judicial reform.
Cambodia’s judicial system is widely seen as corrupt and politically biased, despite reform efforts.