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According to Cambodian media, those arrested belong to six different nationalities. They are accused of operating online scams or residing illegally in Cambodia. Photo: Sohu. |
Cambodian authorities raided two buildings at the Prince Plaza Centre complex in Phnom Penh believed to be linked to billionaire Chen Zhi, subsequently arresting 104 people, including 82 Chinese nationals.
According to SCMP , this is the latest development in a wave of crackdowns targeting a multi-billion dollar online fraud empire allegedly run by Chen Zhi. Following Chen Zhi's arrest earlier this year, authorities around the world have intensified cooperation to address activities believed to be linked to this network.
The operation in Cambodia was carried out by Phnom Penh police, the Cambodian Anti-Technology Fraud Committee, local authorities, and representatives from the prosecutor's office, according to the Phnom Penh Post .
The arrested group comprises six different nationalities and is accused of operating online scams or residing illegally in Cambodia. Police also seized 800 mobile phones, over 100 computers, and other equipment.
"Based on initial investigations, the suspects used these sites to carry out technology fraud, luring people both domestically and internationally into fraudulent investment schemes," said Cambodia's Anti-Technology Fraud Committee.
The network is being tightened.
The American law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, which was previously listed as the legal representative on the website of Prince Group, headed by Chen, has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Chen Zhi, the founder of Prince Holding Group, was arrested by Cambodian authorities along with two Chinese associates in January, following months of bilateral law enforcement cooperation. All three were then quickly extradited to China at Beijing's request.
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Cambodian authorities raided two buildings at the Prince Plaza Center in Phnom Penh, seizing laptops, mobile phones, and other equipment. Photo: Sohu. |
The Chinese Ministry of Public Security stated at the time that Chen Zhi was accused of multiple crimes, including operating a casino, fraud, illegal business activities, and concealing illicit funds. The case is still being processed, but Chinese authorities have not released further information on the progress of the investigation.
Last month, Chinese state media reported that Li Xiong, a key member of Chen Zhi's criminal organization, had also been extradited to China. He previously served as chairman of Huione Group in Cambodia, a subsidiary of Prince Group.
Li is suspected of involvement in numerous criminal activities, including operating a casino, fraud, illegal business practices, and concealing ill-gotten gains. According to Xinhua , Li has been detained for questioning.
Global assets are frozen.
Chen's conglomerate operates in more than 30 countries, with businesses ranging from real estate to financial services. In recent months, several governments have frozen or seized assets linked to the businessman.
Most recently, a Hong Kong court last week ordered the freezing of assets worth more than HK$9 billion, equivalent to US$1.15 billion , owned by Chan Chi and related companies and individuals.
This portfolio includes a commercial building in the Tsim Sha Tsui area valued at approximately HK$3 billion and a luxury villa worth HK$1 billion in The Peak, considered one of the world's most expensive and exclusive residential areas.
Tran Chi has also been subjected to sanctions by the UK and the US. In October 2025, the US Treasury Department designated the Prince Group network as a "transnational criminal organization".
According to SCMP , China is promoting deeper cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to crack down on cross-border telecommunications fraud rings.
Last year, Chinese police said more than 5,500 suspects had been repatriated following a coordinated crackdown in Myanmar's Myawaddy region, under a trilateral cooperation mechanism between China, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Source: https://znews.vn/xoa-so-voi-bach-tuoc-cua-tran-chi-post1653182.html
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