Cambodia has extradited a key suspect accused of laundering money for international criminal networks to China, in what authorities described as part of a broader effort to dismantle cross-border scam operations.
The individual, Li Xiong, previously served as chairman of Huione Pay. According to Chinese state media, he is suspected of playing a central role in a criminal network linked to businessman Chen Zhi.
Cambodian officials confirmed the extradition on Wednesday, saying it reflects the country’s commitment to tackling online fraud and financial crime.
Chen Zhi himself had already been extradited to China earlier this year and remains in custody there.
Authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom previously took action against Chen’s business interests, including the Prince Group, which they described as part of a transnational criminal network involved in online investment scams.
The same measures also targeted the broader Huione Group, which U.S. officials accused of laundering billions of dollars in illicit funds, including proceeds linked to cyberattacks attributed to North Korea.
According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the group may have processed at least $4 billion in suspicious transactions between 2021 and early 2025.
A spokesperson for the Prince Group denied any connection between Chen Zhi and Li Xiong or Huione Pay, calling the allegations unfounded and lacking evidence.
Cambodian government spokesperson Touch Sokhak said the arrest and extradition followed cooperation with Chinese investigators, who assisted local authorities in building the case.
“This shows Cambodia is not a safe haven for scam criminals,” he said.
China’s foreign ministry also confirmed ongoing collaboration with Cambodia in combating cross-border telecommunications fraud, signaling continued joint enforcement efforts in the region.
The case highlights growing international pressure on Southeast Asian countries to address networks involved in online scams, money laundering and cybercrime, which have expanded rapidly in recent years.