Background
The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Commissariat issued a public notification concerning the creation of a fake Facebook page that misuses the identity of the Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Sith Luos. According to the announcement, an unidentified individual or group recently created a Facebook page under the name “Pho Sophorn” and used the commissioner’s photograph as a logo for the page without authorization.
The commissariat stated that this misuse of the commissioner’s image has the potential to cause public confusion and could be used to disseminate misinformation or conduct unlawful activities on social media platforms.
Scope of Application
The notice is addressed to the general public, with specific emphasis on users of social media networks. It aims to inform citizens about the existence of the fake Facebook account, to distinguish it from the official page of Major General Sith Luos, and to caution social media users against relying on information disseminated by the fraudulent account.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The announcement sets out the following main points:
- The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Commissariat fully rejects and disclaims any responsibility for information posted by the fake Facebook account using the name “Pho Sophorn” and the unauthorized image of Major General Sith Luos. Any content disseminated from this account that causes public disorder or constitutes an offence is not linked to the commissariat.
- The commissariat clarifies that the official Facebook page of Major General Sith Luos is named “Sith Luos” in English, has 15,781 followers, and displays a profile picture of the commissioner in the National Police uniform. This is identified as the authentic page.
- The fake account is described as being under the name “Pho Sophorn” with 8 friends and 2 followers, and using the commissioner’s photograph as a profile image without permission.
- The creators of the fake Facebook account are called upon to immediately stop their activities and remove the unauthorized photograph of Major General Sith Luos from the account.
- The commissariat warns that if the above instructions are not followed, it will initiate investigative measures to identify the perpetrators and proceed with legal action in accordance with applicable law.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The notice underscores the National Police’s position on the misuse of official identities and images on social media platforms. For businesses, organizations, and individuals interacting with law enforcement agencies online, the announcement highlights the need to verify official accounts and to exercise caution when receiving information or requests via social media that claim to originate from police officials.
Entities that engage with public authorities through social media should ensure they rely only on verified or clearly identified official pages. The statement also indicates that law enforcement authorities may pursue legal measures against the fraudulent use of official images and identities, signalling an enforcement stance on digital impersonation and potential cyber-related offences.
Official Source
The information is based on a public notice issued by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Commissariat and disseminated through the National Police of Cambodia’s official communication channels.
Related Developments
This topic is part of ongoing policy and enforcement developments related to cybercrime and online fraud in Cambodia, including scam investigations, regulatory responses, and cross-border cooperation.
