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Chinese National Extradited to US Over Alleged Crypto Scam Network
A 44-year-old Chinese national, Zheng Zhao, was extradited from the Netherlands to the US on October 23, 2026. He was arraigned for being part of a network in Cambodia that allegedly used fake crypto trading websites to drain over $36.9 million from at least 174 American victims. The operation, described as 'pig butchering,' involved building trust with victims through social media and dating apps before offering investment pitches. Authorities allege the operation reached targets through social media and dating apps, with funds routed through US shell companies and converted into Tether (USDT) in the Bahamas. Zhao was first charged in August 2025, and his extradition took over a year to complete. Eight co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty, with sentences including 46 months in prison for Jingliang Su and 51 months for Shengsheng He. Zhao's next hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2026.