Prince Group founder faces new charge that could carry death penalty in China
Authorities allege Chen used the Cambodia-based Prince Group to operate a network of scam compounds and illegal online gambling platforms targeting Chinese nationals.
China.- The criminal case against alleged gambling and scam network leader Chen Zhi has escalated after Chinese prosecutors filed a new intentional injury charge that carries a possible death sentence. The revised indictment also includes a copyright infringement charge, while an earlier allegation of concealing criminal proceeds has been dropped.
Under Chinese law, intentional injury resulting in death or severe harm through particularly cruel means is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and can result in the death penalty. According to Chinese media reports, the 38-year-old was arrested on July 6 after being extradited from Cambodia earlier this year as part of a joint operation targeting transnational crime.
Authorities allege that Chen used the Cambodia-based Prince Group to operate a network of scam compounds and illegal online gambling platforms targeting Chinese nationals. He is also wanted by US prosecutors on charges including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
The investigation has led to action against several people allegedly linked to the group. Jinbei Group founder Liu Ren was extradited from Cambodia in June and is accused of operating multiple online gambling platforms targeting customers in China. Former Huione Group chairman Li Xiong was returned to China in April, while Hu Shi, who investigators believe served as a senior Prince Group executive, was arrested in Japan last month on suspicion of document fraud.
The case comes as China continues its crackdown on cross-border fraud and illegal gambling operations. In January, the country executed 11 people linked to a Myanmar-based fraud syndicate after they were convicted of crimes including fraud, intentional injury, unlawful detention, and operating illegal casinos.
