Uncovering Alleged Crime Empire in Cambodia

Posing as members of a Philippine-based online gambling syndicate, 101 East reporters gained access to the Long Bay project to probe allegations of illegal activity within Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Deng Pibing’s empire. Pibing, a prominent figure, has cultivated an image as a successful businessman and philanthropist in Cambodia.

Reporters, posing as members of a Philippine online gambling syndicate, gained access to Deng Pibing's operations, meeting with his right-hand man, Martin, to discuss potential business collaborations within the vast development.

To rent or buy space in the compound, syndicates must comply with the primary condition of refraining from targeting Chinese citizens, according to Martin, a Chinese citizen employed by Deng. The primary term dictates that these groups must not engage in scamming Chinese citizens.

The term 'compound' in this context is widely understood to refer to sites dedicated to online fraud, where many workers are reportedly trafficked and subjected to forced labor, highlighting the illicit nature of these operations.

Located 3.5 hours from Phnom Penh in the Darasakor special economic zone, the 45,000-hectare site is described by former US prosecutor Aaron West as a base for forced labor and human trafficking rather than the tourist resort it is branded to be. The area was previously part of a national park, raising environmental concerns.

Former US prosecutor Aaron West confirmed that the site is a hub for forced labor and human trafficking, despite being branded as a tourist resort. West characterized the area as a dangerous place where forced criminality is rampant.

Mr. Lynn, a business partner of Deng, oversees access and tenant screening for these enclosed areas, which operate as surveilled hubs where movement is strictly controlled and goods are sold at high markups. Workers residing there are restricted from freely entering or exiting, with their movements strictly controlled by the operators.

Deng Pibing's business partner, Mr. Lynn, is responsible for overseeing access and screening potential tenants. The compounds operate as self-contained economies, where essential goods and services are sold to workers at significantly inflated prices.

Formerly an IT manager, Deng Pibing, also known as Brother Bing, ascended to the status of a prominent Cambodian philanthropist despite being sanctioned by the UK in 2023 for alleged forced labor ties and associations with crime kingpin She Zhijiang. In 2023, the UK sanctioned one of his companies due to evidence of forced labor at the Long Bay site.

Pibing is also associated with She Zhijiang, an alleged crime kingpin sanctioned by the US for human trafficking and cyber scams. She Zhijiang is currently in China, awaiting trial for his involvement in illegal casino operations, further highlighting the controversial nature of Pibing's connections.

The Long Bay facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art LED screens and advanced sound systems, with each setup costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. These rooms are strictly accessible only to workers and bosses within the compound, excluding the general public.

Dung indicated that these parties are integral to the work culture, used by syndicates to reward high-performing workers. Sessions often involve tens of thousands of dollars spent on alcohol, sex workers, and drugs.

Dung demonstrated his perceived influence and close ties with law enforcement by transporting the investigation team in his personal police vehicle. This act served to project his authority and connections.

During this journey, the team visited a secondary, less developed scam compound located on a hill. Reporters observed workers confined within offices, raising concerns about their freedom of movement and the conditions of their employment.

She was observed at various locations, including Long Bay, scam compounds, and meetings with former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Tiet Moni's presence was also noted during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Cambodia in 2025, suggesting a high level of political access and involvement.

The police bodyguard unit, to which Tiet Moni belongs, is headed by Yim Leang, who is the brother of Dung's alleged business partner, Yim Leak. This connection further solidifies the intricate ties between the alleged crime empire and official state entities.

Dung claimed that Chinese officials had previously sought his assistance, stating he was summoned to Guangzhou, China, in 2019 for a meeting with the Chinese military. He asserted that the military requested his help in sourcing supplies for their base in Djibouti.

These claims are made amidst international scrutiny surrounding the Dara Sakor International Airport, a $350 million project featuring an unusually long runway, raising suspicions about its potential military use. The airport's proximity to a Cambodian naval base, expanded with Chinese funding, further fuels these concerns.

In January 2026, Cambodia announced the arrest and deportation of Tycoon Chen Zhi, one of the country's largest alleged crime bosses, to China. This high-profile arrest signaled a significant crackdown on illicit activities.

Following Chen Zhi's arrest, police conducted a massive raid on Long Bay. Reports indicate that Dung Pibing and his partner, Mr. Lynn, had fled Cambodia prior to the crackdown, and their current whereabouts remain unknown.