Chinese state media CCTV reported Wednesday that Li Xiong, described as a core member of an online scam network, was extradited from Cambodia to China. CCTV said investigations found Li, the former chairman of Huione Group under the Prince Group, is suspected of multiple crimes and named him as “a core member of Chen Zhi’s criminal gang.” The Cambodian government confirmed in a statement that Li was extradited to China.
Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Group — a Cambodian conglomerate involved in real estate development, financial services and consumer services — was extradited to China in January. Chinese and international authorities accuse Chen of directing operations that included forced labor compounds across Cambodia. Chen had served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and former leader Hun Sen; Hun Manet later told AFP the government “did not know that he was the kingpin,” rejecting claims of collusion. Both Chen and Li held Cambodian citizenship that was subsequently revoked by the Cambodian government.
The case forms part of a broader online scam crisis. In 2025 the United States alleged Prince Group served as a front for “one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal organizations.” Rights groups say Cambodia hosts dozens of scam centers employing tens of thousands of people to perpetrate online scams. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said combating online gambling and telecom fraud is a “shared responsibility of the global community.”
Edited by: Karl Sexton