Chen Zhi formally arrested in China – risks death penalty
Chinese authorities are moving forward in the proceedings against Chen Zhi, who is suspected of being behind a series of scam centers in Cambodia where duped workers were forced to commit fraud under threat of violence. And a new potential charge means the punishment could be severe – perhaps lethal.
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Published: 2026-07-28 14:50 Journalist: Jakob Bergman. Jakob also writes for Bulletin and is its publisher. He has previously written for nyheter idag and was its publisher as well. PHOTO: Screenshot, video released by Chinese authorities.
We use AI and Google Translate for translations, with some review to enhance readability. Pardon the Spanglish.
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According to reporting from the Chinese business publication Caixin, prosecutors made the decision on July 6 to formally arrest Chen Zhi. In the Chinese legal system, this means the investigation is now with a prosecutor who has deemed the suspicions against Chen strong enough to proceed and that charges will be filed, although this may take several more months.
The 38-year-old Chen Zhi was extradited to China from Cambodia in early January after his Cambodian citizenship was revoked, and in connection with this, it was reported that the suspicions against him involved fraud, illegal gambling operations, and money laundering. According to the new information, the suspicion of money laundering has been dropped, while charges of copyright infringement and causing personal injury have been added. The latter charge concerns the treatment of those who were forced to work in the Prince Group's scam centers, and if the crime is deemed sufficiently severe, the death penalty could be applicable.
Image 1: Screenshot from a video released by Chinese authorities from early January this year when Chen Zhi is extradited to China by Cambodia.
During the spring, further extraditions of Chinese citizens from Cambodia have taken place. Among the more high-profile cases are Li Xiong, chairman of Huione Pay – a service used for extensive money laundering – and, according to Chinese authorities, a person at the core of Chen Zhi's criminal empire, as well as Liu Ren, who according to Chinese authorities founded the Jinbei Group on Chen Zhi's behalf, whose premises were used for illegal gambling operations and later online fraud.
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