Cambodian PM's Relative Admits Stake in Controversial Huon Pay Company Amidst Fraud Allegations

Kathmandu. As cyber fraud, money laundering, and digital payment systems-related controversies escalate in Cambodia, a brother (son of uncle) of Prime Minister Hun Manet has admitted to having direct stakes in the concerned company. In a statement released on Wednesday, Hun To clarified that he holds a 30 percent share ownership in Huon Pay PLC, adding further political and economic interest to the case. Last year, the US government had leveled serious allegations against the Huon Group, claiming that companies under the group were legitimizing funds obtained from fraud activities operating from Southeast Asia through international criminal networks. Huon Pay, active in e-commerce, payment services, and cryptocurrency transactions, was particularly embroiled in controversy. In the statement, Hun To mentioned that although he admitted ownership, he has no role in the daily management or operations of the company. He also claimed to have not received any profit, dividend, or financial benefit from the company so far. Meanwhile, Li Zong, of Chinese origin, was extradited to China on April 1. He is the former chairman of the Huon Group. According to Chinese authorities, Li is suspected of being a key figure in a major international gambling and fraud network and involved in various criminal activities. According to the report from the liquidator firm Richs & Partners, Li held a 62 percent share ownership in Huon Pay, while Hun To's stake was mentioned as 30 percent. The same report indicated that the company's liquidation process was completed in October 2025. Meanwhile, since last month, general users have been protesting, claiming their accounts have been frozen in H-Pay (formerly Huon Pay) under the Huon platform. They have complained of not having access to the platform since December and have demanded the release of their funds. Cambodia's central bank has stated that it has already revoked the business operating license of the platform, further complicating and sensitizing the entire case.