Police Take 50% Cut for Return of Stolen Motobike

A young Cambodian man had his motorbike stolen recently. The motorcycle is valued at $1,000. The police recovered the bike and informed the owner that it had been found. 

Good news one would think.

However, to have the police return the bike would cost the young man $500- which is exactly two months wages- in 'administration fees.' Upon arguing the payment of such a hefty fee the unfortunate owner was told that "perhaps the motorcycle wasn't his after all."

Corruption is of course to be found everywhere in Cambodia but even to the jaded a flat fee of 50% just to have the police do what they are supposed to do makes the blood boil.