The High Court on August 28 upheld the Thimphu district court’s judgment sentencing a former employee of Ugen Trading, Tashi Choki Dorji to three years non-compoundable prison term for embezzling Nu 903,700 from the company’s fund.

The judgment stated that the company had ordered for a stretcher from the Mayday Industries based in the USA, worth USD 1,838.97. The defendant, the judgment stated has inflated the invoice of the stretcher to USD 2,976.47. He had later transferred the balance USD 1,132.50 to his own account maintained with the Bhutan National Bank.

The defendant was also accused of embezzling Nu 903,700 of the company, which are receivables from other agencies like Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) and Trashigang dzongkhag administration. 

Tashi Choki Dorji was charged under section 68 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act for embezzlement and a fourth degree felony as per section 68 (2) of ACC Act and section 18 (B) of the penal code.

The Thimphu District court issued its judgment sentencing the defendant to three-years non-compoundable prison term on October 3. The defendant then appealed to the high court.

Staff Reporter 

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