Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Group and the so-called “King of Online Fraud,” was deported by the Cambodian government to China for investigation on January 7. On the 26th, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an explanatory statement, indicating that upon discovering Chen Zhi had acquired Cambodian nationality through improper means, it decided to revoke his citizenship in accordance with the law. His deportation to China also conformed to relevant procedures of judicial assistance and legal cooperation.
According to Cambodian media “Cambodia China Times,” the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 26th that the decision to deport Chen Zhi to his country of origin, China, was made entirely according to Cambodian law and met Cambodia’s commitments on mutual judicial assistance and legal cooperation, with the procedures being legal and appropriate.
Regarding the revocation of Chen Zhi’s Cambodian citizenship, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that this decision strictly observed Article 29(4) newly added to the “Nationality Law,” as well as Article 52(4) of the “Implementation Decree of the Nationality Law.” According to the above legal provisions, if a naturalized citizen is found to have obtained Cambodian nationality through forged documents or by providing false information during the application process, the government is entitled to revoke such citizenship in accordance with the law.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this deportation action was a sovereign decision made after discovering the individual had acquired nationality through improper methods.
Demonstrating International Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime
The statement also pointed out that any transfer of persons conducted within the legal framework constitutes official procedures for mutual judicial assistance and legal cooperation, reflecting the government’s responsible attitude towards its own laws and international obligations.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that such decisive legal actions demonstrate Cambodia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international cooperation, in order to safeguard peace, stability, and socio-economic development, and to effectively combat transnational criminal activities.