Cambodia Probes Chinese Scam Tycoon in Al Jazeera Expose
PHNOM PENH – Authorities are investigating Chinese-born businessman Deng Pibing, who was named in an Al Jazeera documentary on online scam operations and corruption at the Long Bay development in Koh Kong province.
The Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) and the Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities are continuing to investigate the fugitive ringleader of the crime, as well as other individuals involved.
Al Jazeera’s 101 East investigation, “Exposing an Alleged Crime Kingpin’s Cambodian Empire,” was posted online on October 10, drawing attention from the public who questioned Cambodia’s accountability in dismantling online scams despite continuous rhetoric on a crackdown.
CCOS head Chhay Sinarith said the country maintains a firm stance on law enforcement to continue cracking down on and eliminating technology-based fraud.
He said authorities uncovered the buildings linked to online scams in the Long Bay development zone in Koh Kong in February, with criminal groups having fled, leaving significant evidence.
“Several suspects were arrested, while the site has been secured and evidence seized,” said Sinarith, adding that Deng Pibing has fled Cambodia since May.
Police Car Link Dismissed as Fake
In the documentary, Deng Pibing said all the police worked for him. He drove a car with the Cambodian police logo, taking Al Jazeera’s undercover journalists to tour the compound.
A police officer at the Cambodian National Police Bodyguard Unit, Chiet Mony, is said to be Deng Pibing’s trusted employee, and she was seen partying with Deng Pibing in the documentary.
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, she was photographed on duty close to him. She was also seen attending the meeting with former prime minister Hun Sen, along with Deng Pibing and Yim Leang, Deputy General Commissioner of the National Police and head of the specialized operations.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said civilians are prohibited from using police cars and property, pointing out that the car seen in the documentary is an illegally impersonated police car, where criminals used a fake vehicle plate and police logo to show power.
“Police officers are not allowed to engage in unethical conduct or activities contrary to professional standards,” he said.
However, he said that there should be a distinction when they are involved in certain activities without knowing the crimes their partners are committing or before their partners commit a crime.
“The judgement should be made based on fact, evidence and law to avoid causing unfairness,” Sokhak said.
The spokesperson defended the meeting, which involved Hun Sen, saying the picture cannot be used to justify the connection between the top leader and criminals when they met to discuss legitimate investment opportunities.
“People naturally make connections and communicate. They won’t be held accountable if the previous connection is legitimate,” Sokhak said.
He said Al Jazeera’s documentary is built on its own investigation and the government’s scam crackdown, as portrayed in the video and the compound raid since February.
Although Cambodia has demonstrated its efforts, the public and observers remain skeptical about the genuine crackdown on the online fraud linked to the elites who hold political power.
There are demands for the arrest of the elite criminals in the background to show transparency and genuine efforts to the international community and restore the tarnished national reputation.
Source: cambodianess
