Cambodia Deports Chinese-Born Bank Founder to China on U.S. Cybercrime Charges

Cambodia has deported Chen Zhi, the Chinese-born founder of Cambodia's Prince Bank, to China. The move follows a U.S. federal indictment accusing him of leading a major cybercrime network. Chen is alleged to have operated a global "pig butchering" syndicate. This scam involves building online trust with victims before convincing them to send money to fraudulent investment platforms. His arrest and deportation connect two major international cases. U.S. prosecutors link Chen's alleged operations to the recent capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. officials allege Maduro was indicted for conspiring with Chen's network to launder the scam's profits. Cambodia acted on an Interpol "red notice" requested by China. He now faces charges in China related to illegal cross-border gambling and fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice has separately unsealed an indictment against Chen for conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering. Prince Bank, a licensed commercial bank in Cambodia, has stated Chen sold all his shares in 2019 and has had no role since.