Alleged scam boss extradited from Cambodia to China

A China-born alleged scam boss has been extradited from Cambodia to China, according to Chinese state media. The extradition of Li Xiong, who is linked to a multibillion-dollar cyberscam network indicted by the US, marks a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime groups operating from Southeast Asia. Li Xiong was extradited on April 1, 2026, and is described as a key figure in a major cross-border gambling and fraud syndicate.

Cambodia has become a hotspot for cyberscam operations in recent years, with transnational crime groups initially targeting Chinese speakers before expanding their reach and stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from victims worldwide. The Chinese state-run broadcaster CCTV broadcast images of Li Xiong, who has a shaven head and is in handcuffs, being escorted by Chinese police off a China Southern plane. State news agency Xinhua reported that Li was central to the syndicate, citing China's Ministry of Public Security.

Investigations have found that Li Xiong, the former chairman of Huione Group under the Prince Group, is suspected of multiple crimes. The CCTV report described Li as "a core member of Chen Zhi's criminal gang." Chen Zhi, the founder of the US-indicted Prince Group, was extradited to China from Cambodia in January. Chen, also born in China, served as an adviser to both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former leader Hun Sen.

Hun Manet has denied knowledge of Chen's alleged involvement in the scams and dismissed allegations of government connivance. He stated that scam centers were harming Cambodia's economy and tarnishing the nation's reputation. Both Chen and Li had been granted Cambodian citizenship, which was later revoked by the Phnom Penh government.

The extradition of Li Xiong follows the earlier extradition of Chen Zhi, highlighting China's determination to dismantle transnational crime networks operating from Cambodia. The case underscores the challenges faced by Cambodia in combating cybercrime and the need for international cooperation in addressing such complex forms of organized crime. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the extradition will impact the broader criminal network and the future of cyberscam operations in the region.