China Business Uncovered #1: A $15 Billion Bitcoin Seizure and the Fall of a Cybercrime Kingpin

Program description: China Business Uncovered takes listeners inside China's business world through the eyes of reporters who investigate it firsthand.  Featuring open conversations with Caixin journalists, each episode breaks down the most complex developments inside Chinese companies. Tune in to understand how critical stories are covered, what's really happening beneath the surface, and why it matters for businesses and investors operating in and around China. Recorded in Mandarin and produced in English with the help of AI, China Business Uncovered brings Caixin's in-depth investigative reporting to a global audience. Episode intro: A Chinese tycoon's mysterious rise in Cambodia, and behind him, an alleged scam network that ensnared victims in China and the U.S. In this debut episode of China Business Uncovered, host Kelsey Cheng speaks with Caixin reporter Tang Ailin to unpack the sudden fall of Chen Zhi, his empire Prince Holding Group, and the seizure of $15 billion in bitcoin. (01:32) Why Chen's fall caught the world's attention (05:06) Chen's early life in China and his connection to a hacker group (08:12) Arriving in Cambodia and a mysterious $2 million loan (17:27) Pig-butchering schemes, romance scam scripts and money laundering services (23:36) A chilling portrait of Chen Zhi (27:05) Caixin's exclusive findings This episode is based on this Caixin story: Cover Story: Six Things to Know About the Fall of Cambodia's Cybercrime Kingpin Chen Zhi Subscribe now to unlock full access to Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal for $200 a year. Group discounts are available — contact us for a customized plan.