Chen Zhi, a 38-year-old businessman, now faces charges of intentional injury in China, a significant escalation from previous accusations. Extradited from Cambodia to China six months prior, Chen was formally arrested on July 6. He is the founder of the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Group, which authorities allege was connected to an extensive online scam network.
New Charges and Potential Penalties
Prosecutors have reportedly dropped an earlier charge of concealing criminal proceeds. However, new charges of copyright infringement and intentional injury have been added. Under Chinese criminal law, intentionally inflicting bodily harm, especially if it results in death or severe injury through particularly cruel methods, carries a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and can potentially lead to the death penalty.
International Pursuit and Allegations
Chen Zhi is also a person of interest to United States prosecutors, who accuse him of orchestrating one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal organizations. The scope of these allegations extends beyond Chen himself, with two of his key associates having already been sent back to China to face charges ranging from illegal detention to intentional injury.
Key Associates and Their Charges
- Liu Ren: Founder of Jinbei Group, Liu Ren was extradited from Cambodia in June. He is accused of operating numerous online gambling platforms under the Jinbei name, allegedly luring Chinese citizens into gambling activities.
- Li Xiong: The former chairman of the board at Huione Group, a subsidiary of Prince Group, Li Xiong was extradited in April.
Involvement of Hu Shi
Hu Shi, believed to be Chen Zhi’s second-in-command at Prince Group, was apprehended in Japan last month on charges of document falsification, according to reports from Kyodo News Agency. Hu, who is suspected of using multiple aliases, including Chen Xiaoer and Hu Xiaowei, was identified as a 44-year-old Chinese-born Cypriot national. In June, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Hu, referring to him as a close associate, or “big brother,” to Chen. Hu remains in Japanese custody.
Hu Shi’s Role in Prince Group
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Hu was instrumental in establishing several Prince Group subsidiaries outside of Cambodia and played a significant role in the conglomerate’s international real estate ventures. In October of the previous year, the department officially designated the Prince Group network as a “transnational criminal organization.”
Prince Group’s Global Reach and Financial Investigations
The Prince Group conglomerate reportedly operates in over 30 countries, with business interests spanning real estate, financial services, and other sectors. The scale of alleged illicit activities has drawn significant international attention. In May, a Hong Kong court issued an order to freeze more than HK$9 billion (approximately US$1.15 billion) in property and assets linked to Chen, his associated companies, and individuals connected to him.
Cambodian Raids and Detentions
Following the Hong Kong court order, Cambodian authorities conducted raids on two buildings within Phnom Penh’s Prince Central Plaza, which were associated with Chen. During these raids, 104 individuals were detained, including 82 Chinese nationals. This action highlighted the direct impact of the ongoing investigations within Cambodia.
Conclusion
The escalating charges against Chen Zhi, including intentional injury, coupled with ongoing investigations and actions by authorities in China, the United States, Hong Kong, and Japan, underscore the significant international dimension of the alleged criminal enterprise. The Prince Group’s extensive network and the substantial assets frozen indicate the far-reaching nature of the allegations and the complex legal battles ahead.
