Cambodia News (Phnom Penh), 27 December 2021: Customs officials and relevant authorities in Battambang have accused Mr. You Heng, head of the Battambang provincial customs branch, and other high-ranking officials, of conspiring with big traders to import goods from Thailand for reduced tax rates at the border crossings of Kamrieng, Phnom Preuk, Samlot and Sampov Loun districts of Battambang province.

Besides this, the conspirators share benefits with the customs chiefs at the border because of Mr. You Heng opens his arms to embrace everything arriving at the border from Thailand, including expired goods, rotten goods, or foodstuffs containing illegal chemicals. Traders are allowed to import illegal goods through Battambang smoothly without prevention and crackdown.

Mr. Ou Chanratana, the director of the Customs Office at the International Coconut Gate, and Mr. Ou Hay, the deputy director of the Customs Office at the International Coconut Gate, in charge of examining documents, have also been implicated in acts of corruption involving Mr. You Heng.

The same source said that Mr. You Heng also used to practice the same corruption skills when he was the head of the Oddar Meanchey provincial customs branch, without fear of the law, and his corruption has long gone unpunished.

These accusations were made by some Battambang customs officials and relevant authorities, who have requested that HE Kun Nhim and HE Aun Porn Moniroth send officers to inspect this case so that Mr. You Heng, Head of Battambang Provincial Customs Branch, and his cronies stop their corrupt acts. Mr. You Heng's actions have made them dissatisfied, since they are losing a lot of revenue due to the corruption.

Mr. You Heng, Head of Battambang Provincial Customs Branch, could not be reached for comment.

What’s the betting good ol’ boy You Heng got a tad greedy and wasn’t spreading the joy to the lower ranks. Feeding the monkey’s peanuts when you’re eating prime rib-eye is only going to see those monkeys biting the hand that was throwing the peanuts!