An important international effort against criminal groups has reached a key point. Cambodian police have sent Chen Zhi back to China. He is the well-known founder of Prince Group. This happened after a long investigation into serious claims. Chen Zhi is thought to have led a large group for illegal gambling and fraud. This extradition is a big step in fighting crime in Southeast Asia.
Chen Zhi used Cambodia as his main base. He was arrested and then given to Chinese police. This happened just days after Cambodia ordered Prince Bank to close. He also founded this bank. This is a big problem for his business. The US Justice Department had already charged Chen Zhi in October. The charges were for fraud and money laundering. These charges show the international nature of the alleged crimes.
Prince Group was a front for a very large online fraud scheme. US officials say it operated in thirty countries. It had more than one hundred businesses. Cambodia was Chen Zhi's main location. However, evidence also links it to scam centres in Myanmar. Other Prince Group businesses are being looked at in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. This large network shows how global crime is changing. The United Nations notes that these places in Southeast Asia have become centers for fraud.
The investigation took many months. It ended with Chen Zhi being sent to China. Pictures show him being escorted by armed police at the Beijing airport. This shows how serious the charges against him are. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing will work more with countries like Cambodia. This cooperation is important for everyone's safety. It helps fight crime that crosses borders.
Cambodia closing Prince Bank shows they are serious about stopping Chen Zhi's alleged business. This, with the extradition, is a win for police worldwide. They are fighting online scams and money crimes. This extradition could lead to more investigations into Prince Group. It is also a warning to others doing similar illegal things. The world is more determined to stop these criminal groups.