Sep 27, 2008 (DVB), An official from Mandalay division's municipal committee is to be charged with fraud after taking money for land that had already been earmarked for government projects.

Captain Soe Naing made deals with private buyers to sell government-owned land for 10-20m kyat per plot, when in fact the plots of land were reserved for reservoirs for use by the fire brigade and for sports fields, the buyers told DVB.

Soe Naing also collected 200,000 kyat from each client promising them non-existent phones.

According to an officer from Mandalay’s No. 9 police station, Soe Naing will be charged with fraud for obtaining money through deception.

But when police tried to arrest Soe Naing last week, he threatened to throw hand grenades at them.

Soe Naing is currently suspended from his duty but police have still been unable to arrest him.

Reporting by Moe Aye