- China has charged alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi with intentional injury, a charge that could lead to the death penalty, as reported by Caixin.
- Chen, who is 38 years old, was formally arrested on July 6 after being extradited from Cambodia six months ago.
- Chinese prosecutors have added copyright infringement and intentional injury charges against Chen, dropping a previous count of concealing criminal proceeds.
- Under Chinese criminal law, intentionally inflicting bodily injury can lead to a sentence of no less than 10 years in prison and could result in execution.
- Beijing has accused US artificial intelligence companies of using Chinese data to train their models, stating that many American enterprises have distilled Chinese models during their research.
- The Chinese commerce ministry stated that the US accusations lack factual basis and reflect double standards, describing them as acts of artificial intelligence hegemonism.
- China has urged the United States to stop politicizing technology and trade issues, warning that it would take necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests.
- Chen Zhi is also wanted by US prosecutors for allegedly running one of Asia’s biggest transnational criminal organizations.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently threatened sanctions against China amid reports that the US is considering a ban on foreign-made open-source models.
- Nearly 200 US startups have urged the government not to restrict access to Chinese open-source AI models, arguing that such actions would weaken US competitiveness.
Chen Zhi, extradited from Cambodia, faces new charges including intentional injury, which could lead to the death penalty. Previously, he was linked to a vast online scam network through his conglomerate, Prince Group.18
Chinese prosecutors dropped a charge of concealing criminal proceeds but added copyright infringement and intentional injury charges. Under Chinese law, such actions can result in a minimum of 10 years in prison or execution.3
Meanwhile, tensions rise as Beijing accuses US AI firms of using Chinese data for model training, labeling the US response as 'AI hegemony'. The Chinese commerce ministry stated that many American companies have distilled Chinese models during their research and development processes.6
In response to US threats of sanctions, China vowed to protect its rights and interests, asserting that the US accusations lack factual basis and reflect double standards. Nearly 200 US startups have urged the government to maintain access to Chinese open-source AI models, warning that restrictions could harm US competitiveness.10
“Chen Zhi, facing charges that could lead to the death penalty, was linked to a major online scam network. Meanwhile, nearly 200 US startups are urging the government to avoid restrictions on Chinese AI models, arguing that such actions would harm US competitiveness.”
TRT World
