The United States has seized more than $14 billion in bitcoin and charged Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi, founder of the Prince Group, for allegedly running one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency scams. The joint US-UK operation uncovered a sprawling criminal network built on fraud, forced labour, and international money laundering.
Cambodian Businessman Accused of Leading International Fraud
Chen Zhi, a dual citizen of Cambodia and the UK, was charged in New York with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Both governments sanctioned his companies and froze his assets.
UK authorities confirmed 19 London properties linked to Chen’s network were seized, including one valued at nearly £100 million. US prosecutors described the operation as one of the largest financial crackdowns in history, involving 127,271 bitcoins now held by the US government.
Chen remains at large and is accused of running a sprawling cyber-fraud empire under the cover of his multinational company, the Prince Group.
While the group publicly lists property, finance, and consumer services, investigators allege it secretly operated as one of Asia’s largest criminal organisations.
Victims Lured Into Fraudulent Investment Schemes
Investigators said Chen’s network deceived thousands of victims through fake cryptocurrency schemes promising high returns. Victims transferred funds that were never invested.
Court filings show Chen oversaw at least ten scam compounds in Cambodia. Prosecutors said these facilities were designed to exploit as many victims as possible, using technology, manipulation, and psychological coercion.
Scam Compounds and Digital Operations Exposed
Authorities discovered that Chen’s associates purchased millions of mobile numbers and operated “phone farms” to run large-scale online scams. Two facilities held 1,250 phones managing more than 76,000 fake social media accounts.
Workers were trained to appear credible. They were instructed not to use photos of people who looked “too beautiful,” making fake accounts seem authentic.
Forced Labour and Human Trafficking Uncovered
US Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg described the Prince Group as “a criminal enterprise built on human suffering.”
Authorities allege Chen trafficked workers and confined them in prison-like compounds, forcing them to carry out online scams targeting thousands worldwide.
Prosecutors said Chen spent criminal profits on private jets, luxury travel, and rare artwork, including a Picasso painting purchased in New York. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison.
London Real Estate and Offshore Holdings
In the UK, Chen and his associates allegedly used shell companies in the British Virgin Islands to buy property and launder illicit funds. His holdings include a £100 million office tower in central London, a £12 million mansion in North London, and 17 additional flats.
US-UK sanctions now block Chen from Britain’s financial system. The Prince Group has been officially labelled a criminal organisation.
Illicit Wealth Hidden in London Property
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Chen’s network was “destroying lives and hiding stolen money in London’s property market.”
She added: “Together with our US partners, we are taking decisive action to dismantle this global criminal network, defend human rights, and keep illicit wealth off our streets.”
Authorities said Chen’s businesses built casinos and compounds used as scam centres and money-laundering hubs.
Four Companies Connected to Scams Sanctioned
Four firms tied to Chen — the Prince Group, Jin Bei Group, Golden Fortune Resorts World, and Byex Exchange — have been sanctioned by UK authorities.
Two Cambodian scam centres operated by Jin Bei and Golden Fortune were previously cited in a human rights report documenting forced labour and torture in cybercrime operations.
Exploited Workers Forced Into Fraud
Many workers trapped in Chen’s network were foreign nationals lured by fake job offers. Once inside, they were held captive and forced to commit online scams under threat of violence, the UK Foreign Office said.
Officials said the network operates on an “industrial scale,” even targeting victims in the UK through fake online relationships and fraudulent investment schemes.
Governments Pledge Strong Action Against Global Fraud
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: “Fraudsters prey on the vulnerable, steal life savings, and destroy lives. We will not tolerate this.”
He added that the US-UK operation sends a strong signal that international financial crime will face coordinated enforcement, no matter where perpetrators hide.
