Cambodia Revokes Casino Licences Linked To Chen Zhi Network

Authorities in Cambodia have revoked several casino licences as part of a wider enforcement campaign targeting cybercrime and online fraud networks.

Good to Know

• Four casino licences were revoked and one licence was suspended during the latest enforcement action.
• Police reported shutdown of 190 scam operations nationwide in early year raids.
• Chen Zhi was arrested in January and deported to China to face criminal charges.

The Commercial Gambling Management Commission announced sanctions against Jinbei, Jinbei 4, and GC Casino in Sihanoukville, along with Golden Fortune in Kandal Province. Casino Khom in Kampot received a suspension rather than a full revocation.

Chhoeng Chantha, a regulatory advisor, said:

“These casino licenses were revoked because they were linked to Chen Zhi’s business alliance.”

Regulators added that the measures will “strengthen regulation of the commercial gaming sector … and ensure that operations are conducted lawfully”.

Law enforcement activity during January and February led to closure of 190 alleged scam centers across the country, including 44 gaming halls accused of involvement in fraudulent activity carried out through digital systems, according to reporting by Kiri Post.

Chen Zhi, a Chinese national who built major business interests after relocating to Cambodia, has been accused by investigators of operating a large scale “pig butchering” fraud network. At one stage, the operation allegedly generated about 30 million US dollars per day. Funds reportedly financed luxury assets including yachts, aircraft, high end property, and artwork purchased through international auctions.

A 2025 CNN investigation described the 38 year old entrepreneur as having started with a small internet cafe business in China before expanding into real estate, finance, and consumer services through Prince Group. Public facing initiatives included scholarship programs and messaging centered on values such as commitment, responsibility, respect, generosity, and innovation.

Investigators allege criminal operations ran alongside those ventures, using trafficked workers from dozens of countries to target victims worldwide through online deception schemes.

Jacob Sims, a transnational crime expert, told CNN:

“Chen Zhi isn’t a mob boss as we traditionally conceive of them. He is (or rather was) the polished face of a state-protected criminal economy.”

Business and political connections once gave Chen Zhi access to senior figures. Travel alongside former prime minister Hun Sen during a 2022 visit to Cuba drew attention, as did entry into the United States using a diplomatic passport reportedly issued through a foreign official.

Cambodian authorities arrested Chen Zhi in January and deported him to China, where prosecutors are pursuing allegations that include fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and torture.

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