China charges alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi with intentional injury: report

Extradited from Cambodia six months ago, Chen faces fresh count that could lead to the death penalty

He founded the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Group, which authorities say was linked to a sprawling online scam network.

Caixin reported on Monday that prosecutors dropped a previous count of concealing criminal proceeds but added copyright infringement and intentional injury charges.

Under Chinese criminal law, intentionally inflicting bodily injury and causing death or severe injury by especially cruel means is punishable by a sentence of no less than 10 years in prison and could lead to execution.

Chen is also wanted by United States prosecutors for allegedly running one of Asia’s biggest transnational criminal organisations.