The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on six people accused of running scam centres in Cambodia, seizing 127,271 bitcoins worth $15bn (£11.3bn) and freezing London properties. The action targets leaders of organised crime networks that trick victims globally through fake investment and romance scams, while trafficking workers who are subjected to torture.
Among those sanctioned are Chinese-born businessmen Chen Zhi and other alleged ringleaders. Chen, chair of the Prince Group, is reported to have bought a £12m mansion on Avenue Road, one of London's most expensive streets, and other properties including a £95m office block on Fenchurch Street. The US Department of Justice described the bitcoin forfeiture as the largest in its history.
The scam centres, often referred to as 'pig butchering' operations, lure workers with promises of well-paying jobs only to enslave them in brutal conditions. Escaped workers have reported beatings and electrocutions in specialised torture chambers. Cambodia has become a hub for such scams, with Amnesty International accusing the government of complicity through inaction.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'The masterminds behind these horrific scam centres are ruining the lives of vulnerable people and buying up London homes to store their money. Together with our US allies, we are taking decisive action to combat the growing transnational threat posed by this network – upholding human rights, protecting British nationals and keeping dirty money off our streets.'
The sanctions also affect companies linked to the network, including Jin Bei Group, Golden Fortune Resorts World, and Byex Exchange, shutting them out of the US and UK financial systems. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes.
