An alleged core member of an online scam network was extradited from Cambodia to China, Chinese ‌state media ⁠CCTV reported ⁠on Wednesday.

"Investigations found that Li Xiong, the former chairman of Huione Group under the Prince Group, is suspected of multiple crimes," state-run CCTV said.

Li was identified as "a core member of Chen Zhi's criminal gang" in the CCTV report.

The Cambodian government confirmed in a statement that he was extradited to China. 

Who is the alleged scam center kingpin Chen Zhi?

Chen was the founder of Prince Group, one of Cambodia's biggest conglomerates, which, according to its website, is focused on "real estate development, financial services and consumer services."

In January, he was extradited to China. Chen is accused of directing operations of forced labor compounds across Cambodia.

Chen had served as an adviser to both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former leader Hun Sen.

Hun Manet told AFP in February that the government "did not know that he was the kingpin," rejecting claims of government collusion.

Both Chen and Li held Cambodian citizenship, which was later revoked by the Cambodian government.

Online scam crisis

In 2025, the United States alleged that Prince Group had served as a front for "one of Asia's largest transnational criminal organizations."

Rights groups say Cambodia hosts dozens of scam centers with tens of thousands of people perpetrating online scams.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that "combating online gambling and telecoms fraud is the shared responsibility of the global community."

Edited by: Karl Sexton