Recent developments confirm that a Pace Wu Partner Arrested in connection with broader legal troubles. Lijie Cui, a billionaire investor and the mother of Pace Wu’s partner, Ji Xiaobo, faces detention. The arrest was carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saipan, an American territory, in early 2026. This event sheds new light on the ongoing saga surrounding Imperial Pacific International (IPI) and its eventual Saipan casino collapse. The detention of Lijie Cui signifies a significant escalation of federal scrutiny.
Pace Wu Partner Arrested: The Case of Lijie Cui
Lijie Cui was taken into ICE custody on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The 68-year-old Chinese national is currently held in a corrections facility in Susupe village on Saipan. While ICE has not yet disclosed the specific violations leading to her arrest, strong speculation points towards immigration status concerns. It is widely believed that Cui, a key figure in the backing of Imperial Pacific International, may have overstayed or otherwise violated the terms of her investor visa (E-2C), which is required for foreign nationals operating businesses in U.S. territories. This Lijie Cui ICE arrest highlights the increasing rigor of US immigration enforcement.
Imperial Pacific International’s Troubled Empire
Lijie Cui, alongside her son Ji Xiaobo, was instrumental in the development of a major casino resort on Saipan. Imperial Pacific Palace was intended to be a premier luxury destination, but its construction and operation were plagued by numerous issues. These included allegations of labor exploitation, significant construction delays, and repeated failure to meet financial obligations. Federal investigations by entities such as the FBI and IRS were initiated, probing potential money laundering and fraud schemes connected to IPI. Reports also emerged regarding the alleged illegal hiring of Chinese workers.
The financial instability of IPI became increasingly apparent. The company faced multiple lawsuits from unpaid contractors and suppliers. Furthermore, IPI defaulted on substantial licensing fees owed to the Saipan government. This cascade of financial and legal problems led to the eventual closure of the casino in March 2020, exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The company formally filed for bankruptcy in April 2024, with reported debts exceeding $165 million. Subsequently, IPI’s assets were acquired by a new investor for a fraction of their former value, fetching just over $12.9 million. The company was also delisted from the Hong Kong stock exchange, marking the definitive end of its public trading history.
Family Ties and Celebrity Connections: Ji Xiaobo and Pace Wu
The arrest of Lijie Cui brings renewed attention to her family and their connections. Lijie Cui is the mother of Ji Xiaobo, who is famously known as the partner of Taiwanese actress Pace Wu. Together, they have four children, though their marital status remains publicly unconfirmed. Ji Xiaobo himself has faced significant legal challenges. In late 2023, a Chinese court declared him to be the leader of a criminal syndicate, adding another layer of complexity to the family’s legal entanglements. The detention of his mother is now a key development in these ongoing issues, and the potential impact on a Pace Wu Partner Arrested narrative is considerable.
Intensifying Federal Scrutiny on Saipan’s Business Landscape
The detention of Lijie Cui adds a critical chapter to the tumultuous history of Imperial Pacific International. Federal agencies have maintained a sustained interest in IPI for years, investigating allegations of worker exploitation, financial misconduct, and potential breaches of immigration law. The recent actions by ICE underscore a broader commitment to increasing immigration enforcement, particularly concerning foreign nationals residing and operating businesses within U.S. territories. The business community in Saipan is closely monitoring these developments, as they could significantly influence future foreign investment in the region. This continuing saga surrounding a Pace Wu partner arrested is closely watched.
Details surrounding Lijie Cui’s specific immigration violations remain scarce, as she continues to be held in custody pending a hearing. Her ongoing detention ensures that the intense scrutiny surrounding the past operations and financial dealings of Imperial Pacific International will persist. This developing story continues to capture attention across both the entertainment and business sectors, with further information anticipated as legal proceedings unfold.
