Liu Ren, described by Chinese authorities as a central figure in a criminal group led by Chinese businessman Chen Zhi, has been extradited from Cambodia to China, according to information released by Chinese public security authorities.
China’s Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday that Chinese police recently escorted Liu back from Cambodia as part of an ongoing crackdown on transnational gambling, telecom fraud and online fraud networks targeting Chinese citizens.
According to the ministry, Chen directed Liu and others in 2016 to establish Jinbei Group in Cambodia. Authorities said the group operated multiple online gambling platforms and aggressively lured Chinese citizens into gambling.
The ministry also said that since 2020, Jinbei Group had operated telecom fraud compounds in Cambodia and carried out large-scale telecom and online fraud involving “extremely large amounts” of money.
Liu is also suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes, including illegal detention and intentional injury. He has been placed under criminal compulsory measures, with further investigations underway.
The ministry said Liu’s return follows the repatriation in April of Li Xiong, a former senior figure in a company affiliated with Chen’s syndicate. Li is suspected of operating casinos, fraud, illegal business operations and concealing criminal proceeds.
Chinese authorities said Cambodia has repatriated more than 20,000 suspects involved in telecom fraud cases to China so far, as the two countries expand joint enforcement against fraud compounds and related criminal networks.
