Tokyo - Japan's police on Monday, 22 June 2026 have arrested an executive of a Cambodia-based and Chinese-affiliated transnational online scam syndicate Prince Holding Group, who was recognized by the United States as one of the largest criminal networks in Asia.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department identified a suspect as 44 years-old Chinese-born and Cypriot national Hu Shi was arrested on 14 June 2026, followed by the captured of two Chinese national suspects, Li Yinhong and Hao Fengzhi.
Hu Shi was often used several names, including Chen Xiaoer, according to police.
Citing Japan national media NHK World, Hu was recognized as the director of Prince Holding Group in Tokyo, a crime group that operated international
online fraud and sanctioned by US authorities.
Hu with his two colleagues, allegedly submitted a false
notification to Tokyo’s Chuo Ward on 20 April 2026. Police believed Hu Shi had ordered Li and Hao to impersonate him during the procedure. Even though both of them
have denied the allegations.
"I left the relocation procedure to my representative.
My resident registration was transferred to Tokyo to obtain permanent residency
in Japan," Hu was reportedly told investigators.
Japan’s Police Investigator said that Hu frequently entered
Japan under a Highly Skill Professional residence type 1 status –Japan immigration
program which is expected to invite foreign professionals for contribute to Japan’s
academic research and economic development– with 5 years duration of stay.
Using this residence status, Hu repeatedly entered
Japan for at least three years, with the latest arrival in October
2025. Police plan to investigate Hu's activities and also how he false submitted-document
during his time in Japan.
Prince Group syndicate has been recognized with a scam operation
that offered fake promising high-paid jobs to lure people across any part of the Asian
countries, who were then detained and forced to engage in cross-border fraud and other
criminal activities.***
