Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported Wednesday that Li Xiong, identified as a key member of an online fraud network, has been extradited from Cambodia to China. CCTV said investigators consider Li, the former chairman of Huione Group within the Prince Group conglomerate, suspected of multiple offenses and have linked him to Chen Zhi’s criminal organization.
Cambodian authorities confirmed in a statement that Li was handed over to Chinese custody. Media and official reports describe him as a central figure in the same network that authorities say organized large-scale online scams.
Chen Zhi, the founder of Prince Group — a Cambodian conglomerate with businesses in real estate, financial services and consumer services — was extradited to China in January. Chinese and international agencies have accused Chen of running operations that included forced-labor compounds in Cambodia. Both Chen and Li held Cambodian citizenship, which the government subsequently revoked.
Chen previously served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and to former leader Hun Sen. Hun Manet told AFP the government “did not know that he was the kingpin,” rejecting suggestions of official collusion.
The arrests are part of a wider crisis over online fraud. In 2025 the United States alleged that Prince Group acted as a front for “one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal organizations.” Human rights and anti-fraud groups say Cambodia hosts dozens of scam centers that employ tens of thousands of people to run online scams and gambling operations.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said combating online gambling and telecom fraud is a shared international responsibility, calling for coordinated action across borders.
Edited by: Karl Sexton