Cambodia Investigating Deng Pibing Over Long Bay Development, Senior Minister Says

PHNOM PENH — Oct. 13, 2026: Cambodian authorities are investigating Deng Pibing over suspected activities linked to the Long Bay development in Koh Kong province, Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith has confirmed, adding that the site has been sealed and remains under strict control.

Chhay Sinarith, Head of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams, made the statement in response to an Al Jazeera investigative documentary that aired on Oct. 10, 2026.

What authorities found

In February 2026, authorities discovered several buildings within the Long Bay compound suspected of being linked to online scam operations. The suspected criminal groups had fled, leaving behind evidence believed to be connected to such activities.

Koh Kong provincial authorities detained several suspects and seized evidence for further investigation. The site was sealed off and remains under strict control.

On Sept. 5, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet visited locations under authorities' control in Koh Kong province to inspect progress, instructing relevant authorities to maintain strict control over the sites and evidence and to conduct thorough investigations.

Deng Pibing's status

Deng Pibing, founder of ZhengHeng Group, which developed Long Bay as a tourism and infrastructure project within the Dara Sakor concession, is the subject of an ongoing investigation.

According to the General Department of Immigration, Deng Pibing left Cambodia in late May 2026. Specialised sources indicated he was subject to an Interpol Red Notice, though Chhay Sinarith noted that the Red Notice information has not been independently verified, and the requesting country and specific charges remain unclear.

Public concern over Cambodia's reputation

The case has prompted widespread public concern in Cambodia, with citizens and commentators calling for a thorough cleanup of scam operations and warning that such allegations damage the country's standing internationally.

Many have voiced the view that Cambodia's reputation must be protected and restored, and that decisive enforcement action is necessary to reassure investors, tourists and international partners that the Kingdom will not tolerate criminal networks operating on its territory.

Government response to Al Jazeera

The Al Jazeera documentary, a 24-minute investigation, presented allegations of online scam operations, drug use and corruption at Long Bay, including undercover footage and statements involving Deng Pibing, Cambodian entrepreneurs and officials.

Interior Ministry spokesman Touch Sokha said the Dara Sakor compound featured in the investigation had already been raided and completely shut down by Cambodian law enforcement.

He addressed claims made by Deng Pibing in the documentary about distributing money to secure stability and protection for his business, suggesting they could be attempts to boast about influence and powerful connections to impress his guests, who were undercover journalists.

Touch Sokha stated that any profit-sharing arrangement between private individuals and government officials, if proven, would constitute an illegal act rather than an arrangement authorised by a public institution. "No public institution engages in sharing profits from improper activities or distributing benefits with private individuals," he said.


Regarding footage showing vehicles bearing police licence plates and insignia, Touch Sokha said no state institution permits government vehicles to be used for private interests. In some cases, privately owned vehicles may be modified or fitted with counterfeit licence plates and government insignia to create the impression of official authorisation.

Ongoing enforcement

Chhay Sinarith reaffirmed that the government and the Commission for Combating Online Scams will continue to enforce the law firmly to eliminate online scam activities, prosecuting ringleaders and accomplices and freezing criminals' assets.