Chinese authorities have urged remaining fugitives linked to the crime syndicate led by Chen Zhi to surrender by February 15th, 2026, offering the possibility of reduced punishment, according to Chinese media reports.
The appeal follows Chen’s repatriation to China on January 7th over alleged involvement in large-scale telecommunications fraud and other criminal activities.
China’s Ministry of Public Security said in a notice issued on January 15th that suspects belonging to the Chen Zhi criminal group, which authorities have linked to business activities associated with Cambodia-based conglomerate Prince Group, who voluntarily turn themselves in before the deadline and truthfully confess their offenses, may be eligible for lighter or mitigated punishment under the law. The ministry also warned that threatening, retaliating against, or obstructing individuals who intend to surrender could itself constitute a criminal offense and would be investigated accordingly.
The notice also detailed that those who refuse to surrender will face public arrest warrants and be pursued by law enforcement nationwide. Authorities said the Chen Zhi criminal group is suspected of a range of offenses, including telecommunications fraud, operating illegal casinos, illegal business activities, and concealing or disguising criminal proceeds. Investigations into the case remain ongoing.
Chinese police previously confirmed that, with the cooperation of Cambodian authorities, Chen was escorted back to China and identified as a Chinese national.
Chen, 38, was born in China and obtained Cambodian citizenship in 2014. He later served as an adviser to Cambodia’s Prime Minister and received an honorary title, before being stripped of his Cambodian citizenship and deported last month.
Chen’s case has drawn international attention since October last year, after US authorities indicted him on fraud and money-laundering charges related to an alleged large-scale cyber scam operation. US law enforcement agencies have also disclosed the seizure of digital assets linked to the case, though legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chantol was quoted as saying that Chen’s arrest and repatriation marked only the first step in Cambodia’s broader campaign against online fraud. He said the Cambodian government remains firmly committed to eradicating cyber fraud, noting that such crimes have damaged the country’s national reputation.
