Prince Group founder Vincent Chen Zhi formally arrested in China, report says
Vincent Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Group, has reportedly been formally arrested in China six months after being escorted back from Cambodia, with multiple charges linked to alleged telecom fraud and other offences.
Source: CCTV27th July 2026 – (Beijing) Vincent Chen Zhi, founder and chairman of Prince Group, has been formally approved for arrest in mainland China, according to a report citing informed sources. The development comes six months after he was escorted back to the country in connection with alleged telecom fraud activities. The report states that the arrest was authorised on 6th July. Compared with the accusations outlined at the time of his return to China, the list of alleged offences has been revised. The charge of concealing or disguising criminal proceeds has reportedly been dropped, while new allegations including copyright infringement and intentional assault have been added. Chen is also suspected of fraud, operating illegal gambling activities and unlawful business operations. China’s Ministry of Public Security announced in January that Chen, described as a Chinese national, had been repatriated with the cooperation of Cambodian authorities. The ministry characterised the move as a significant achievement in joint law enforcement efforts between China and Cambodia. The case has unfolded against a backdrop of strengthened bilateral cooperation on combating cross-border crime. On 17th July, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Shanghai, where he called for fuller use of the bilateral “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy, defence and public security. Xi urged closer collaboration to tackle offences such as counterfeiting, smuggling, online gambling and telecom fraud, with the aim of safeguarding mutual interests and regional security. Hun Manet said Cambodia is prepared to deepen political trust with China, expand trade ties and advance major infrastructure projects, while intensifying efforts to combat telecom-related fraud.