Cambodia's Land Ministry Warns of Legal Action Over Misinformation on Leng Navatra Project

The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction in Cambodia has issued a warning regarding legal action against those spreading misinformation or distorting facts related to the resolution of crises in projects by prominent real estate developer Mr. Leng Navatra (also known as Leng Petra). The ministry stated that such information dissemination could cause social confusion and harm the reputation and dignity of its leadership and officials. The projects in question include the "Borey Leng Navatra" project along National Road 6A and the "Choi Muy Roy" project in Muk Kampoul district, Kandal province, under the Galaxy Navatra Group. These projects have been stalled for many years, with the company unable to fulfill its sales contracts with customers and landowners. This delay has led to protests and lawsuits from affected parties. To resolve the situation, the ministry has been leading meetings and facilitating discussions with all relevant parties, initially giving the company opportunities to provide solutions to customers. However, the ministry noted that the company has still not been able to offer appropriate and timely solutions. According to the spirit of a meeting held on January 28, 2026, Mr. Leng Navatra (Leng Petra) officially delegated the authority to the ministry to coordinate the construction of houses and land filling for customers in both projects. He also agreed to the sale of his personal and company real estate assets to raise funds for resolving the projects. Mr. Leng Navatra acknowledged that the company alone lacks the capacity to complete the projects, underscoring the importance of the ministry's mediation mechanism. As of September 9, 2026, the ministry reported that it has led and facilitated the construction and handover of 598 houses to customers. For customers who have paid 100% of the purchase price, the ministry has facilitated the registration and issuance of 5,970 land ownership certificates. The land filling process at the Choi Muy Roy project is reported to be approximately 60% complete. Emphasizing that protecting and upholding customer interests is a top priority, the ministry has suspended transactions on real estate belonging to Galaxy Navatra Group Co., Ltd., Leng Petra, and related parties to ensure the resolution of stalled projects and the transfer of ownership to customers. Currently, the ministry and the company are actively seeking suitable partners to sell the company's and Mr. Leng Petra's real estate assets to support the project resolution process. Any real estate transactions must be conducted after consultation and agreement from all relevant parties regarding the saleable price. Regarding claims made on Facebook accounts such as "Leng Navatra", "Ton Chanseyma", and "Leng Nimol", the ministry considers these to be misleading and factually distorted, potentially causing public confusion and damaging the reputation of ministry officials. The ministry warned that any illegal activities could face legal measures under Articles 305, 494, 495, 502, and 505 of the Penal Code, which cover public defamation, incitement, insult, and incitement to commit acts against public officials. The ministry appeals to all customers and stakeholders to continue cooperating with the ministry's mediation mechanism with understanding, forgiveness, and high responsibility to protect the interests of over 38,000 families nationwide. It also urges the company and related parties, especially Mr. Leng Navatra, to actively participate in resolving these stalled projects through the agreed-upon mechanism, while the ministry will continue to lead and facilitate for clear and effective solutions. Source: CEN Cambodia