Cambodia extradites alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi
Cambodian authorities have arrested and extradited Prince Group Chairman Chen Zhi, an alleged scam kingpin accused by United States prosecutors of leading a vast transnational cybercrime network, marking a rare high-profile transfer carried out at Beijing’s request.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, Chen was extradited to China on Tuesday following several months of joint investigations between Cambodian and Chinese authorities. He was detained alongside two other Chinese nationals, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hnui.
The government said the operation was conducted at the request of the Chinese government. Local authorities confirmed that Chen’s Cambodian citizenship had been revoked by royal decree in December 2025 under the country’s nationality law, removing a legal barrier to his extradition.
The arrest caps growing international pressure on Chen, who founded the conglomerate that established a significant presence in Cambodia with interests spanning luxury real estate, banking services, hotels, and large-scale construction developments. The group has played a visible role in the country’s investment landscape over the past decade.
US and UK sanctions
In October, the United States Treasury Department and the UK Foreign Office imposed coordinated sanctions on Chen, Prince Group, and dozens of affiliated entities. Both governments designated the network as a transnational criminal organisation, accusing it of operating large-scale online investment scams and other cyber-enabled fraud schemes.
US federal prosecutors charged Chen in absentia in New York with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. And, as part of a years-long investigation, the US Department of Justice announced the seizure of $15 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Chen, describing it as the largest forfeiture action in its history. Following the US indictment, authorities in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reported freezing or seizing hundreds of millions of dollars in assets allegedly connected to Chen and his associates. The group also reportedly operated an extensive online gambling network.
Cambodia’s cooperation
Local media reported that Cambodian officials said the extradition reflected the government’s commitment to combating transnational crime and strengthening cooperation with foreign partners. After the sanctions were announced last year, Phnom Penh pledged to work with the U.S. and the U.K. to address cyber scam operations, particularly those operating from or linked to Southeast Asia.
The US Treasury and the UK Foreign Office have described their joint sanctions as the largest action ever taken against a cyber fraud network in Southeast Asia, with operations allegedly spanning Cambodia and Myanmar.
“Southeast Asia’s cyber scam industry not only threatens the well-being and financial security of Americans, but also subjects thousands of people to modern slavery,” John Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said in September 2025. “Treasury will deploy the full weight of its tools to combat organised financial crime and protect Americans from the extensive damage these scams can cause.”
According to a CNN report, Prince Group had earlier rejected the allegations against its chairman and affiliated companies. In statements published on its website, the group denied engaging in unlawful activity.
Be part of the action! Join the world’s biggest iGaming community with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates, insider insights, and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
