Chinese influencer “missing” in Cambodia actually arrested for human trafficking
A Chinese influencer believed to be missing in Cambodia has instead been arrested for suspected human trafficking and fraud, stunning her followers who had reported her disappearance to authorities.
- Influencer Zhang Mu Chen was thought to be missing but was actually arrested on 13 November in Cambodia.
- She is suspected of human trafficking and fraud, with illicit funds traced to her accounts.
- Her boyfriend has disappeared and her social media accounts have been removed.
CHINA: Chinese content creator Zhang Mu Chen, 26, was due to fly back to China on 13 November after visiting her boyfriend in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. When she failed to return and went silent online, her followers feared she had been kidnapped or trafficked.
Her sister, friends, and fans launched missing-person appeals on Douyin and Weibo, and supporters even organised a crowdfunding effort to help her family search for her in Cambodia.
Arrest for Major Cross-Border Crimes
Authorities later confirmed that Zhang had not disappeared — she had been arrested on 13 November.
Investigations allege she participated in online fraud schemes and worked with criminal groups involved in cross-border human trafficking between October and November 2025.
A source speaking to The Cambodia China Times said money linked to these criminal operations was transferred into a bank account under Zhang’s name.
Under Cambodian law, fraud can carry two to five years in prison, while facilitating illegal cross-border transfers linked to human trafficking can bring seven to 15 years behind bars.
Sent to Cambodia’s Largest Prison
On 15 November, a formal detention order was issued under both the fraud and trafficking statutes.
Zhang has since been transferred to Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s largest detention facility, where she awaits trial.
Social Media Wiped; Boyfriend Still Missing
Following her arrest, Zhang’s social media accounts were banned, deepening the confusion during the early stages of the incident.
Her boyfriend, who was believed to be with her in Cambodia, remains unaccounted for, and his online profiles have also been deleted.
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