起底陈志：从辍学少年到千亿电诈大佬

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and fall of Chen Zhi, a figure involved in a large-scale criminal operation spanning over 30 countries, focusing on his background, business ventures, and eventual legal troubles, particularly related to cryptocurrency and online gambling [3][4][5]. Group 1: Background and Early Ventures - Chen Zhi was born in a prosperous village in Fujian Province and had a modest upbringing, dropping out of school after the second year of junior high [5][6]. - His early career began as a network administrator in internet cafes, which were often associated with illegal gambling activities [8][10]. - He reportedly made his first significant income through operating private game servers, particularly for the popular game "Legend," which involved illegal activities [10][11]. Group 2: Transition to Cambodia and Gambling Operations - In 2009, Chen Zhi moved to Cambodia, where he initially attempted to start a net cafe but later shifted to real estate, establishing a company that lacked substantial projects [12][15]. - The legalization of gambling in Cambodia in 2014 provided Chen Zhi with opportunities to enter the gambling industry, obtaining a gambling license and citizenship [15][16]. - He capitalized on the decline of internet cafes in China, attracting many fellow Fujian natives to work in his gambling operations, which were often linked to illegal activities [16][17]. Group 3: Expansion and Criminal Activities - Chen Zhi's operations expanded significantly, with his business model combining elements of online gambling and fraud, commonly referred to as "killing pigs" scams [18][19]. - By 2015, he established the "Prince Group," diversifying into real estate and small loans, while maintaining connections to his gambling operations [19][20]. - His ventures reportedly generated immense wealth, with estimates suggesting that even his associates earned millions [22]. Group 4: Legal Troubles and Decline - In 2019, the Cambodian government announced a crackdown on online gambling, leading to a mass exodus of Chinese nationals and a significant decline in Chen Zhi's operations [28][29]. - The crackdown severely impacted his real estate and gambling businesses, leading to a loss of income and operational capacity [30][31]. - Chen Zhi's operations became increasingly violent, with reports of kidnappings and murders linked to his gambling enterprises [32][33]. Group 5: Final Downfall - In October 2025, Chen Zhi faced legal action from U.S. authorities, who accused him of running a major money laundering operation through his gambling and cryptocurrency activities [39].