Chen Zhi extradited from Cambodia to China after arrest

Cambodian authorities said they arrested and extradited Chen Zhi to China after a joint investigation; he had been charged in the US in October over alleged internet-based cryptocurrency fraud.

Authorities in Cambodia say they arrested and extradited Chen Zhi to China following a joint investigation into transnational crime. The case has drawn international attention because US prosecutors charged Chen in October with operating alleged internet scams involving large amounts of cryptocurrency. Cambodia's interior ministry said three Chinese nationals were arrested on 6 January and transferred to the People's Republic of China. The government also announced that Chen Zhi's Cambodian nationality was revoked by royal decree last month. Reported facts: - Cambodia's interior ministry reported the arrest on 6 January and said three Chinese nationals — Chen Zhi, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hui — were extradited to China. - The article reports that the US charged Chen Zhi in October with running internet scams and that the US Treasury announced the seizure of about $14bn in bitcoin alleged to belong to him. - The article mentions that the UK sanctioned Prince Group, which is described as linked to Chen Zhi's business interests. - Cambodian authorities are reported to have revoked Chen Zhi's Cambodian nationality by royal decree. Summary: The developments follow a period of international investigations and sanctions reported by US and UK authorities and then a joint law-enforcement action announced by Cambodia. Undetermined at this time.