Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Hu Shi, also known as Hu Xiaowei, a 44-year-old Cypriot national of Chinese origin, on June 14, 2026, on suspicion of submitting a false change-of-address notification in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward. Two Chinese nationals were also detained for allegedly helping file the falsified official records.
Investigative sources indicate that Hu, who also uses the alias Chen Xiao’er, is believed to be a senior executive in the Cambodia-based Prince Group. Japanese authorities suspect he filed the fraudulent notification to help establish or maintain residency status in Japan.
Prince Group Background
Prince Holding Group, founded by Chen Zhi, is a multinational conglomerate with interests in real estate, finance, banking, and other sectors. In October 2025, the United States designated the Prince Group as a transnational criminal organization and imposed sanctions on Chen Zhi, the group, and more than 140 associated entities and individuals.
US authorities accused the network of operating forced-labor scam compounds in Cambodia, where trafficked workers carried out large-scale “pig butchering” cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide. Prosecutors alleged the organization laundered billions of dollars through businesses, shell companies, online gambling operations, and cryptocurrency channels.
The allegations come as Cambodia has intensified its crackdown on online fraud and crypto-enabled scam compounds, recently introducing tougher legal measures and harsher penalties for operators involved in cyber scam activities.
The US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Chen Zhi for wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. In parallel, authorities filed a civil forfeiture action involving approximately 127,271 Bitcoin, valued at around $15 billion at the time, making it one of the largest cryptocurrency forfeiture actions in Department of Justice history. Prince Group has denied all criminal allegations, stating that it is a legitimate multinational business conglomerate.
Recent Developments
In January 2026, Cambodian authorities arrested Chen Zhi and extradited him to China after revoking his Cambodian citizenship. The move was part of bilateral cooperation on transnational crime.
Japanese police believe Hu Shi holds a senior position within the Prince Group. He previously served as the representative director of a Tokyo-based trading company incorporated in 2023. Corporate records show the company underwent capital increases and multiple address changes in Tokyo and other areas.
Police seized electronic devices from the suspects and are continuing to investigate Hu’s activities in Japan and any potential links to the sanctioned Prince Group network. Tokyo police have not made further public comments on the ongoing investigation.
Prince Group’s Footprint in Japan
The arrest has renewed attention on Prince Group-linked activities in Japan. Investigative reports have identified luxury property purchases and business entities allegedly connected to senior Prince Group associates in Tokyo and nearby prefectures.
Authorities are examining whether Japan served as a logistical and financial base for individuals associated with the network. Reports indicate that several Prince Group-linked figures acquired high-value real estate and frequently traveled to Japan, raising concerns about potential money laundering activities and asset protection strategies.
Broader International Crackdown
The arrest is part of growing international efforts against Southeast Asian cyber scam networks. Multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Cambodia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, have pursued sanctions, asset freezes, arrests, and prosecutions related to Prince Group-linked operations.
The broader enforcement push mirrors several recent high-profile crypto crime cases, including prosecutions involving large-scale digital asset theft and organized cyber fraud networks, underscoring the increasing global focus on dismantling transnational cryptocurrency crime ecosystems.
Following Chen Zhi’s extradition, Cambodian authorities reportedly moved to liquidate Prince Bank, another significant setback for the group’s financial network. Authorities across Asia continue to pursue businesses and individuals allegedly tied to the organization.
The Prince Group case highlights how alleged criminal networks combine human trafficking, forced labor, online fraud, and sophisticated money laundering techniques, often using cryptocurrency, while attempting to maintain legitimate-looking business fronts in multiple jurisdictions.
Japanese authorities continue to examine the extent of any Prince Group-related activities in the country. The investigation could provide further insight into how sanctioned entities maintain financial and logistical support structures outside their primary bases and may reveal additional links between Japan and Southeast Asia’s cyber scam economy.
AI Disclosure: Cryip uses AI-assisted tools to help refine language — correcting spelling and grammar and simplifying complex terms for readability.
We do this to make crypto topics easier to understand for readers at all experience levels. AI does not draft facts, sources, or conclusions. Every article is reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. Read our full AI Use & Content Policy.
