Casino Scam Lord Chen Zhi Extradited to China

A Powerful Figure Brought Home

Chen Zhi landed in Beijing earlier this week under tight security. State television showed him hooded and handcuffed — a rare public display by Chinese authorities. Officials called him a leader of a major cross-border gambling and fraud network. 

For years, Chen appeared beyond reach. He built his fortune in Cambodia while expanding casino and property interests. His return to China signals a major shift — both legal and political. 

Prince Group and Its Rapid Growth

Prince Group grew fast during Cambodia’s casino boom years. The company owns casinos, real estate projects, and a commercial bank. To many observers, it looked like a normal business success story. Investigators now say that picture may have been misleading.

US authorities later labeled Prince Group a transnational criminal organization — known as a TCO. That move raised concerns across banks and business partners. Still, the group continued operating as pressure slowly increased.

Officials say current investigations focus on several key areas linked to the group’s rise:

• Casino-linked cyber scams aimed at foreign users

• Large money laundering flows using digital currencies

• Human trafficking and forced labor inside scam sites

US Charges and a Historic Bitcoin Seizure

In October 2025, prosecutors in the United States and United Kingdom filed criminal charges. The case included allegations of wire fraud and money laundering. At the same time, the US Department of Justice seized about 127,000 bitcoin.

The bitcoin was worth close to $15 billion then — the largest crypto seizure ever recorded. Officials said the funds appeared tied to scam operations linked to Prince Group. 

Cambodia, China, and Fading Protection

Chen’s extradition surprised many who knew his local influence. He appeared close to powerful figures in Cambodia for years. Those ties now seem transactional — not protective — as China increased pressure.

Beijing has urged Southeast Asian governments to shut down scam operations targeting Chinese users. Cambodia banned online casinos in 2019 under that pressure. Criminal groups then moved into empty sites and turned them into scam compounds. 

Abuse Claims Inside Scam Compounds

Human rights groups describe harsh conditions inside these compounds. Workers were often promised legal jobs and steady pay. Once inside, many lost freedom through debt, threats, and document seizures.

The US Treasury cited beatings, isolation, and movement limits — among other abuses. Officials believe these operations earned billions for their leaders. Hence, Chen’s return to China may mark a turning point for casino-linked crime enforcement across the region.