Alleged core scam member extradited from Cambodia

The Ministry of Public Security announced on Wednesday that Li Xiong, who's suspected to be a key member of a major cross-border gambling and fraud syndicate, had been repatriated to China from Cambodia. Li is accused of being a core member of Chinese-Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi's online scam and money laundering operation. Li, who's the former chair of the Huione Group, is suspected of involvement in a range of offences, including operating gambling dens, fraud, unlawful business operations, and concealing and disguising the proceeds of crime. "At present, Li Xiong has been placed under coercive measures according to the law, and the relevant case is under further investigation," CCTV said. The Ministry of Public Security added that several influential members of the syndicate had already been apprehended, and that it would step up efforts to pursue and bring remaining fugitives to justice. China sent experts to ⁠Cambodia to help with the investigation, which led to Li's arrest. "This shows Cambodia’s will to clear out online scams and that Cambodia is not a safe haven for scam criminals," Cambodian government spokesperson Touch Sokhak said. Chen was repatriated from Cambodia to China earlier this year. The founder of the Prince Group was indicted by the United States for running a multibillion-dollar cyberscam network from the Southeast Asian nation. (Xinhua & agencies) Edited by Tony Sabine