Cambodia says Chen Zhi held invalid citizenship before extradition to China

PHNOM PENH, Jan 19, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s foreign minister said cybercrime suspect Chen Zhi held Cambodian identity documents that were later found to have been unlawfully obtained, leading to his extradition to China.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn told Reuters that Chen had claimed Cambodian nationality, but investigations showed it was not legally recognised and that he also held Chinese citizenship.

“We therefore decided to extradite him to China,” Sokhonn said.

He described the arrest as part of Cambodia’s broader efforts to combat transnational crime, particularly online scam operations, adding the case was the result of a long-term investigation.

Sokhonn said Phnom Penh continues to cooperate closely with partners including the United States, China, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.

Chen Zhi, a billionaire in his late 30s, heads the Cambodia-based Prince Group conglomerate. US authorities have alleged some of its companies were used as fronts for one of the largest investment fraud operations in history, accusations the group has rejected.

Authorities in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan have frozen assets linked to the group, while Britain and South Korea have imposed sanctions.

US prosecutors last year seized about USD 15 billion in bitcoin tied to Chen, and Cambodian authorities liquidated Prince Bank, which he founded.