Cambodia is facing renewed questions about its campaign against online fraud after an Al Jazeera investigation alleged that a coastal resort continued to harbour scam operations and human trafficking.
The investigation, broadcast on October 10, 2026, focused on Long Bay, a resort owned by Chinese Cambodian businessman Deng Pibing in the Dara Sakor development area of Koh Kong province.
Al Jazeera reported evidence of online fraud, coercion, human trafficking, and drug use at the site. It also alleged that officials working with Deng Pibing helped protect the operations.
The findings challenge the government’s account of progress against criminal networks. At an international conference in Phnom Penh in September, Cambodian officials presented evidence of raids and arrests as proof of their commitment to tackling online scams and trafficking.
Authorities have reported arresting suspected organisers and their associates, detaining other suspects and returning tens of thousands of victims to their home countries.
The government had pledged to eliminate scam operations by April. But allegations about Long Bay had already surfaced in February 2026, raising questions about why reported criminal activity there persisted.
The scrutiny also comes amid concerns about Cambodia’s record on human trafficking and financial crime.
According to the article, the United States State Department placed Cambodia in Tier 3, its lowest category, in its 2026 trafficking report.
Cambodia has also previously faced increased monitoring by the Financial Action Task Force, the international body that sets standards against money laundering and terrorist financing.
The country was removed from the body’s grey list in February 2023. But National Bank of Cambodia governor Chea Serey has warned that Cambodia risks being listed again unless it improves its safeguards quickly.
Speaking to banks, Chea Serey called for stronger action to identify suspicious transactions and establish who ultimately owns or controls accounts.
Cambodian authorities say Deng Pibing left the country in May and that his whereabouts are unknown. They say they have requested an Interpol Red Notice seeking help to locate Deng Pibing.
The latest allegations underline the challenge facing Cambodia: turning raids and arrests into lasting action against the networks behind the scam industry.