Deputy PM: Arrest of Chen Zhi Shows Cambodia’s Fight Against Cybercrime

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 19, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has reinforced its commitment to tackling cybercrime and transnational crime following the arrest of Chen Zhi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said.

Speaking to Reuters on January 14, Sokhonn said the arrest reflected “Cambodia’s strong and resolute commitment to combating cross-border crime.”

He added that Phnom Penh continues to work closely with international partners, including the United States, China, South Korea and neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.

“The arrest of Mr. Chen Zhi is the result of a long-term investigation,” Sokhonn said.
He clarified that Chen Zhi holds Cambodian nationality, though it was not legally recognised at the time of the probe. Chen also holds Chinese nationality, and Cambodia decided to deport him to China.

Chen’s assets were ordered seized by King Norodom Sihamoni in December 2025. He was detained on January 6, 2026, and later handed over to Chinese authorities.

Earlier this month, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing had achieved “notable results” in combating telecom fraud through cooperation with Cambodia and other neighbours, as reports emerged of a high-profile suspect being extradited.

Tackling online gambling, telecom fraud and cybercrime was a shared responsibility of the international community, she told reporters.

Mao said China had stepped up joint efforts with Cambodia in recent years, yielding progress against cross-border scams. She added that further details would be released in due course and urged the public to await official information.

Cambodian interior ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak also reiterated Phnom Penh’s stance against online scams, stressing the country was “not a safe haven” for criminals.

He said Cambodia had intensified its crackdown through awareness campaigns, intelligence gathering and law enforcement, with arrests and prosecutions carried out under national law.

Their remarks followed media reports that Chen Zhi, described as a suspected leader of a fraud network and founder of the Prince Group, had been arrested and repatriated to China for investigation.