Key Moments:
- The UK and US have imposed coordinated sanctions, freezing assets tied to the Prince Group and its chairman, Chen Zhi.
- Authorities have seized multiple high-value London properties and casino assets in Cambodia linked to the network.
- Investigations revealed that the group laundered funds and ran large-scale online scams through casino operations and cryptocurrency schemes.
Sanctions Target Casino-Linked Scam Operations
UK and US authorities have taken unified action against a major scam network connected to gambling venues in Southeast Asia. By freezing assets associated with the Prince Group and its leader, Chen Zhi, officials aim to disrupt extensive operations that allegedly utilized casino facilities as fronts for online fraud and human trafficking. The sanctions bring the network’s assets under international oversight.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has offered few comments on the recent actions by the US, UK, and South Korea against scam centers in Cambodia.
The US and UK have launched their largest joint crackdown on cybercriminal networks in Southeast Asia, targeting the Prince Group… pic.twitter.com/HX0Ykg0OuK
— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) October 15, 2025
Seized Real Estate and Casino Properties
Enforcement actions have led to the seizure of a £12m mansion in north London, a £100m office on Fenchurch Street, and seventeen residential flats across London. In Cambodia, properties affected include a seven-story hotel and casino in Sihanoukville managed by the Jin Bei Group. According to investigators, these properties played a central role in defrauding victims around the globe and forcing trafficked individuals to operate online scams. The illicit proceeds were often disguised as legitimate gambling revenue.
| Location | Asset Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| North London | Residential Mansion | £12m value |
| Fenchurch Street, London | Office Property | £100m value |
| London | Flats | 17 units seized |
| Sihanoukville, Cambodia | Hotel & Casino | Operated by Jin Bei Group |
Money Laundering and Online Gambling Tactics
Investigations found that the network moved illicit profits through casino operations and exploited cryptocurrency schemes to obscure money trails. Many venues doubled as entertainment sites in an effort to present a legitimate business front, according to UNODC reporting.
Authorities Stress International Collaboration
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, “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.”
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson added, “Fraudsters prey on the most vulnerable by stealing life savings, ruining trust, and devastating lives. We will not tolerate this.”
Officials emphasized that forthcoming global alliances and events, such as the Global Fraud Summit, will further bolster cross-border enforcement and accountability. Regulatory challenges related to illegal betting continue in other regions as well, highlighting the persistent problems in the sector.
Uncovering Scam Operations in Gambling Venues
The scam network reportedly attracted workers through deceptive recruitment, ultimately forcing victims to perpetrate online scams, including romance fraud and crypto scheme promotions, often under coercion and threat. Businesses carrying out these activities operated under established brand identities.
Sanctions were also placed on Golden Fortune Resorts World Ltd, a company responsible for a major scam complex near Phnom Penh posing as a tech park, and Byex Exchange, a cryptocurrency platform linked to the Jin Bei and Prince Group networks. As a result, their operations and global fund transfers have been brought to a standstill.
Role of Prince Group and Chen Zhi
Investigators described the Prince Group as a multi-billion-pound conglomerate with broad activities in Cambodia, led by Chen Zhi. Reports allege that this group developed casinos and compounds used for fraudulent operations and money laundering, maintaining control via corporate proxies and continuing to profit despite regulatory notices.
Coordinated UK-US Investigation Sets New Standard
These developments stem from a thorough joint inquiry by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office together with the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The coordinated sanctions restrict transactions, freeze assets, and establish a clear model for responding to criminal networks that misuse gambling platforms for online fraud.
Global Implications and Regulatory Outlook
The forceful measures introduced by the UK and US signal a shift in how transnational financial crimes involving gambling are confronted. These actions send a message that such venues can no longer conceal illegal activity behind legal facades, and underline the importance of international collaboration in tackling these emerging threats. Officials have indicated that similar enforcement strategies are expected in additional jurisdictions as authorities work to keep pace with innovative online fraud schemes.
- Author
Daniel Williams
