US EditionChen Zhi: Cambodia Extradites Alleged Scam Mastermind to China After Arrest
Chen Zhi led a transnational cyber-fraud network using forced labor in Cambodia, with $15 billion in seized bitcoin linked to his operations, authorities said.
- On Tuesday, Cambodia's Interior Ministry said Chen Zhi was extradited to China on 6 January 2026 after a joint investigation, with his Cambodian citizenship revoked.
- After the US Treasury Department and UK Foreign Office sanctioned Prince Group in October, the United States seized $15 billion and indicted Chen, prompting global asset confiscations.
- Court filings say US prosecutors allege Chen ran at least 10 forced‑labour camps since 2015 and seized 127,271 bitcoin, facing up to 40 years on wire fraud and money‑laundering charges.
- China's public security ministry called Chen Zhi's return a 'major achievement' and said arrest warrants will soon be issued for key group members, following Prince Bank's liquidation by the NBC.
- Experts and rights groups warn that the $50 billion–$70 billion global scam industry involves at least 100,000 people in Cambodia, with Sims stating, `'This arrest comes after months of building pressure against the Cambodian government for continuing to harbor and abet a now famous criminal actor.
144 Articles
144 Articles
China clamps down on cyberscam tycoons in South-east Asia, seizes top fugitive from Cambodia
BANGKOK, Jan 9 — China is moving against the cyberscam tycoons making fortunes in South-east Asia, driven by mounting public pressure and Beijing’s desire to keep control of judicial processes, analysts say.Across South-east Asia, scammers lure internet users globally into fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency investments.Initially largely targeting Chinese speakers — from whom they have extracted billions, prompting rising public anger…
Chen Zhi is said to have been one of the richest criminals in the world. The business model? Forced camps full of slaves who kill people on the Internet. Now he has been delivered – to China.
Cambodia Extradites Alleged Scam Tycoon Chen Zhi to China
Cambodian authorities said on Jan. 7 that they extradited a billionaire businessman to China after a joint investigation into transnational crime. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry stated that Chen Zhi, founder and chairman of the Cambodia-based Prince Group, was among three Chinese nationals arrested on Jan. 6, according to Cambodia’s state-run news agency AKP. Based on a request from Beijing, Cambodian law enforcement authorities carried out an ope…
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