Crime in Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the Southeast Asian countries, which is best known by its
marvelous heritage, Angkor Wat. However, Cambodia also has a high crime rate. We
can see there are many criminal cases accuse in every sectors of the country.
Corruption is a primary crime in Cambodia. Corruption in Cambodia is not
just about corrupt politicians and high-raking officials. An analysis of everyday forms
of corrupt practices in Cambodia by the Phnom Penh-based Center for Social
Development showed in 2005 that the corruption virus has infected almost the entire
population, and it is still the case as of today. Bribes have become practically
obligatory for any service delivered, including education and healthcare. In order to
receive a fast public service you have to pay the bribe to the official. As a result, a
corruption barometer survey by Transparency International in February 2008 revealed
that 72 per cent of Cambodians reported paying a bribe to receive a public service in
the last year; 61 per cent did not expect corruption to decrease in the next three years,
and 42 per cent expected it to rise. What is more, On Transparency Internationals
annual Corruption Perceptions for 2008 Cambodia ranks 166 out of 180 countries.
Among the countries in the region of Asia-Pacific, the country ranks 30 out of 32.
Only Afghanistan and Myanmar rank lower. In 2007 Cambodia ranked 162 out of 180
and in 2006, 151 out of 160 countries. Encouragingly perhaps, the 2009 Index places
Cambodia a bit higher, at 158 out of 180 countries. However, it is still among those
near the bottom of the list. Another research by USAID-funded in 2004 revealed that
Cambodia lost USD 300,000 million a year to corruptionabout half the national
budget. Another study conducted and released in 2006 by an independent research
organization, the Economic Institute of Cambodia, commissioned by Pact, revealed
that Cambodia lost around USD 330 million in 2005 just to unofficial fees in the
private sector. Though there has been no update figure available since then and
Cambodias ranking on Transparency Internationals CPI for 2009 suggests a relative
improvement, the Cambodian public still sees corruption as one of the most serious
concerns. In comparison with India, the rate of the corruption is almost the same but
the way the Indian government against the corruption is far more effective than in
Cambodia. In India, the government also takes action against powerful individuals
but in Cambodia the high-ranking officials are above the law. They appear to be able
to use their political connection against the anti-corruption law. For instance, in 2006,
there have been quite a few corruption trials against provincial officials, often arising
out of allegations of participation in illegal logging or land grabbing. In one
illustrative case, 14 officials from Ratanakiri province were charged with involvement
in a multi-million dollar logging operation that took place in Virachey National Park.
Initially, the case stalled because local court officials were unwilling or unable to
investigate the allegations. However, the investigation resumed after it was transferred
to Phnom Penh Municipal Court. Ultimately, 11 low-ranking officials, including park
rangers and border police, were tried for accepting bribes to allow trucks containing
illegally logged wood to leave the national park. However, the trials of the three
highest-ranking officialsa former provincial governor, the former provincial police
chief, and the local military commanderwere postponed for some time because of
alleged problems with the witnesses and evidence. The trial was then resumed,
although the former governor is still at large. The outcome of this case, at least so far,
suggests corruption trials against low-ranking officials are becoming more common
but that higher-ranking officials may in some cases have the political connections to
avoid corruption charges. In another illustrative case, the World Bank froze funding

on several projects in May 2006 after an internal investigation concluded that there
was evidence of corruption by government officials. The government initially
responded with skepticism and several senior government officials, including Prime
Minister Hun Sen, questioned the banks findings. However, in July 2006, the former
director of one of the suspended projects was arrested and charged with
embezzlement under article 37 of the UNTAC Law. He was accused of embezzling
more than USD 800,000 from four road-building contracts and was immediately
placed in pre-trial detention. However, months later, he was reportedly freed on bail
pending further investigation. But there has not been any further action reported on
the case since then.
In conclusion we can see there are a great deals of corruption in Cambodia and
most of them are not reported, investigated or punished. There are many reasons for
that. The Cambodian do not report corruption because they think the government will
not do anything about that. In addition the patronage system within the civil service
makes it difficult for government official to report corruption without risking their
careers.