Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia has repatriated Chinese national Liu Ren to China as part of an expanding crackdown on transnational scam operations, reinforcing the Kingdom’s efforts to combat organized cybercrime and strengthen confidence among international investors.
Chinese authorities allege that Liu was a key member of a criminal syndicate involved in online gambling and telecommunications fraud and was returned from Phnom Penh through bilateral law enforcement cooperation.
Alleged Role in the Jinbei Group
According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, Liu Ren was a core figure in a criminal network led by Chen Zhi, which allegedly established the Jinbei Group in Cambodia in 2016.
Authorities claim the Jinbei Group operated multiple online gambling platforms targeting Chinese citizens before expanding into large-scale telecommunications fraud compounds in Cambodia from 2020 onward. Liu is also accused of involvement in serious offences including illegal detention and intentional injury, with investigations continuing following his return to China.
Part of Broader Enforcement Efforts
The repatriation follows the earlier transfer of another alleged syndicate member, Li Xiong, who was returned from Cambodia to China in April over accusations including fraud, illegal gambling operations and concealing criminal proceeds.
Chinese officials say the two countries have significantly expanded law enforcement cooperation this year, conducting joint operations against fraud compounds, online scam centres and organized criminal networks operating across borders.
Strengthening Cambodia’s Investment Image
The latest action comes as Cambodia continues to demonstrate a tougher stance on illicit activities that have attracted international scrutiny in recent years.
By cooperating with regional partners to dismantle scam compounds and extradite alleged key figures such as Liu Ren, Cambodian authorities are seeking to reinforce the rule of law and improve the country’s reputation as a secure and transparent destination for foreign investment.
According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, Cambodia has repatriated more than 20,000 suspects linked to telecommunications fraud cases to China as part of the ongoing campaign, highlighting the scale of bilateral cooperation aimed at disrupting cross-border criminal enterprises.
