China says cooperation with Cambodia has produced results against telecom fraud

BEIJING, Jan 9, 2026 (KPT) — China said Thursday it has achieved “notable results” in combating telecom fraud through cooperation with Cambodia and other neighbouring countries, as reports emerged of a high profile suspect being extradited.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters that tackling online gambling, telecom fraud and cybercrime was a shared responsibility of the international community.

She said Beijing had stepped up joint efforts with Cambodia in recent years, yielding progress against cross border scams.

Her 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.

Mao said further details would be released in due course and urged the public to await official information.

Cambodia also reiterated its stance against online scams. Interior ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak said Phnom Penh would not allow its territory to be used for fraud operations, 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.

Cambodia has faced growing scrutiny over scam networks in recent years but insists it is committed to dismantling them in cooperation with foreign partners.