Khmer Times reported that on January 27, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued an official statement stating that the country had exiled Chen Zhi to China on the basis of fully complying with Cambodian law as well as commitments on judicial assistance and international legal cooperation.
According to the statement, the decision to expel Chen Zhi was made after authorities discovered that this person's Cambodian citizenship showed signs of invalidity.
Cambodia decided to expel Chen Zhi to China - the original country - on a completely consistent basis with Cambodia's laws and obligations in international legal cooperation and judicial assistance" - the statement stated.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affirmed that Chen Zhi's deprivation of Cambodian citizenship was carried out in accordance with legal regulations.
According to the provisions of the Cambodian Nationality Law promulgated on September 5, 2025, the Cambodian nationality of a naturalized citizen may be revoked if it is discovered that the person has committed acts of falsifying documents or providing false information in the process of applying for naturalization.
A spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that Chen Zhi's case fully meets the legal grounds for applying the regulation on nationality revocation.
The Cambodian diplomatic mission emphasized that this move shows that Cambodia's system of control and balance of power is still operating effectively. The legal measures being applied not only demonstrate the government's responsibility to domestic law, but also contribute to the common efforts of the international community in the fight against transnational crime.
Deportation is a sovereign decision of Cambodia, after discovering that this individual's nationality was not granted in accordance with regulations" - the statement stated. "This clearly demonstrates the Cambodian Government's commitment to the rule of law. This is a standard legal procedure and should not be misinterpreted or unfoundedly speculated.
The Ministry also affirmed that the handover of individuals within the legal framework is an official issue of judicial cooperation and legal assistance between countries, reflecting Cambodia's accountability to both domestic laws and international obligations.
Commenting on the incident, Mr. Chheng Kimlong, Chairman of the Asian Vision Institute, said that Cambodia is enforcing the law cautiously and carefully. Cambodia's cooperation with China and other countries shows that Phnom Penh is participating more actively in law enforcement efforts and ensuring security at the regional and global levels. This cooperation, according to him, contributes to maintaining security and stability in the country.
Chen Zhi (38 years old) was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China in early January, along with 2 other Chinese citizens. According to Chinese police, Chen Zhi was prosecuted on charges of operating illegal casinos, online fraud, illegal business and concealing illegal money sources.
In October last year, the US and Britain prosecuted Chen Zhi for conspiracy to cheat telecommunications and money laundering, and the US seized about 15 billion USD of bitcoins believed to be under his control.
