How an accused kingpin built an empire from Cambodia to London

How an Accused Kingpin Built an Empire from Cambodia to London

Chen Zhi carefully built an image of respectability and legitimacy. That facade is now collapsing after the United States accused him of leading a vast transnational criminal organization.

A Lavish Gift with Hidden Meaning

Three years ago, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presented locally crafted luxury wristwatches to several world leaders during a regional summit in Phnom Penh, including President Joe Biden.

Each Lotus Tourbillon watch contained 25 jewels and featured the crown-shaped emblem of the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Holding Group engraved into its design.

After receiving the watch, Biden submitted it to the U.S. National Archives, along with other items amounting to a total declared value of $1,790.

The timepieces, designed and produced by a watchmaking school created by Prince Group, reflected how both the company and its Chinese-born chairman, Chen Zhi, reached the highest circles of global prestige.

Building a Global Network

At 37, Chen Zhi worked diligently to craft a public persona associated with legitimacy, success, and philanthropy. He established ties with major figures and institutions worldwide.

His holdings spanned an office building in London, upscale apartments in Singapore and Taiwan, and extended to businesses operating from the shores of Palau to the financial sector of Hong Kong.

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Author’s Summary

Accused of leading a global crime network, Chen Zhi’s once carefully built image and vast international empire are now under intense scrutiny.

The Japan Times — 2025-11-04