US Sanctions Target Arrested in Japan, Cambodian Prince Group Executive Apprehended

(Central News Agency Tokyo, June 22 - Comprehensive Foreign News) Hu Shi, a Cypriot national associated with Cambodia's Prince Holding Group and listed as a target of US sanctions, was arrested on June 14 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department for allegedly filing a false address with a local Japanese government.

According to reports from Japan's Asahi Shimbun and NHK today, Japanese police stated that although Hu Shi served as a representative director for a company in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, he also appeared to be an executive in Cambodia's Prince Group.

Police indicated that in addition to Hu Shi, 44, whose whereabouts were previously unknown, Li Yinhong, 31, and Hao Fengzhi, 36, were also arrested. The latter two are Chinese nationals and both employed by a company in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward.

Investigators revealed that the three individuals are suspected of submitting a false change of address notification to the Chuo City Office in April of this year, falsely stating that Hu Shi had moved into the ward, thus violating laws against causing public officials to record false information and using forged documents.

Hu Shi claimed to have no knowledge of the details, while the other two suspects denied the charges.

Prince Group is a Cambodia-based enterprise engaged in real estate, finance, and other businesses worldwide. US authorities have described the group as "one of Asia's largest international criminal organizations." The group's chairman, Chen Zhi, previously served as an advisor to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and is considered a figure closely linked to the Cambodian regime.

However, documents from the US Department of the Treasury and Department of Justice indicate that Prince Group utilized call centers in Cambodia to conduct cross-border online investment fraud using deceptive investment schemes. The US imposed sanctions on 146 individuals and entities associated with the group in October 2025. The sanctions list included an individual named "Chen Xiaoer," whom Japanese police have identified as the same person as Hu Shi, arrested in this case.

Hu Shi's whereabouts had been elusive. Investigators revealed that Japanese police obtained clues about Hu Shi's activities within Japan, and after an investigation, they focused on the criminal leads related to the false address filing and began tracking him. Police located Hu Shi's movements through surveillance footage during their investigation at several high-end hotels in Osaka City, ultimately arresting him in Osaka. Police are currently further clarifying the criminal facts of the entire organization.

According to the company registry where Hu Shi served as representative director, the company was established in April 2023 in Tokyo's Adachi Ward for trading and other business purposes. The company's initial capital was 8 million yen (approximately NT$1.56 million), but by March 2026, its capital had increased approximately sixfold to 50 million yen (approximately NT$9.79 million). The company's address was also relocated to Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, in April 2024.

Furthermore, as Hu Shi appears to have frequently entered and exited Japan in the past, police are thoroughly investigating his activities within Japan while simultaneously clarifying the specific circumstances of the false address filing.

The report added that the Cambodian government arrested three Chinese nationals, including Prince Group Chairman Chen Zhi, in January of this year and handed them over to China. This action was part of an international joint effort to combat crime, with joint investigations conducted by Cambodia and China. (Compiled by Li Jing / Reviewed by Cai Jia-min) 1150622

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