Cambodia Extradites Alleged Online Scam Kingpin Li Xiong to China

Li Xiong, a suspected core member of an online scam network linked to Chen Zhi’s Prince Group, was extradited from Cambodia to China. Both men face multiple criminal charges, highlighting Cambodia’s role as a hub for large-scale online scams and international efforts to combat telecom and internet fraud.

An alleged core member of an online scam network, Li Xiong, has been extradited from Cambodia to China, Chinese state media CCTV reported on Wednesday. Li Xiong, the former chairman of Huione Group under the Prince Group, is suspected of multiple crimes, according to CCTV, which also identified him as a key member of Chen Zhi’s criminal organization. The Cambodian government confirmed his extradition to China in an official statement.
Chen Zhi, the founder of Prince Group—one of Cambodia’s largest conglomerates focused on real estate development, financial services, and consumer services—was previously extradited to China in January. He faces accusations of operating forced labor compounds across Cambodia. Both Chen and Li held Cambodian citizenship, which was later revoked by the Cambodian government. Chen had served as an adviser to both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former leader Hun Sen. In February, Hun Manet denied any government collusion, stating the authorities “did not know that he was the kingpin.”
The case highlights the growing online scam crisis in Cambodia. In 2025, the United States alleged that Prince Group operated as a front for “one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal organizations.” Rights groups have reported that Cambodia hosts dozens of scam centers employing tens of thousands of individuals engaged in online fraud. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that “combating online gambling and telecoms fraud is the shared responsibility of the global community,” underscoring the international dimension of the crackdown on such criminal networks.