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The European Union has imposed new restrictive measures on Cambodia-registered conglomerate Prince Holding Group, its chairman Chen Zhi, and associated networks for running extensive human trafficking and online scam operations across Southeast Asia.
The decision issued on Thursday by the Council of the EU under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime stated that the multi-billion-dollar group built and operated at least 10 scam compounds throughout Cambodia. Key sites identified include Mango Park, the Golden Fortune Science and Technology Park, and the Jinbei Compound in Sihanoukville.
The EU reported that human trafficking victims lured to the compounds were held against their will and forced to conduct cryptocurrency investment scams targeting victims worldwide. Those trapped inside faced severe human rights abuses, including torture, extortion, forced prostitution, and kidnapping directed or approved by company leadership.
The report showed that Prince Holding Group associates, at Chen’s instructions, frequently used violence and coercion to achieve business outcomes and further their criminal schemes. Chen also possessed images of wounded victims of the Prince Holding Group’s violent methods.
In January, Chen was arrested and extradited to China. China’s Ministry of Public Security said his criminal network is suspected of operating casinos, fraud, illegal business activities and concealing criminal proceeds. Chinese prosecutors have since added an intentional injury charge, meaning Chen could face the death penalty if convicted.
Despite his arrest, the EU said scam compounds linked to his network continue to operate. Prince Holding Group has denied the allegations and said it intends to defend itself in all relevant jurisdictions.
The restriction targeted in the sanctions also include Sihanoukville-based Jin Bei Group and its chairman, Zhu Zhongbiao, which operated related scam complexes such as Jin Bei 4 in coordination with Prince Holding Group.
“Individuals and entities listed today [Thursday] are subject to an asset freeze,” it stated. “EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Individuals are also subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.”
The latest sanctions follow similar action taken by the United States and the United Kingdom in October, when both governments designated Prince Holding Group as a transnational criminal organization allegedly operating online scam networks that were built on modern slavery and targeting victims worldwide.
The EU also said Prince Holding Group’s operations extended beyond Cambodia into neighboring Myanmar, where it allegedly established additional scam compounds through front companies.
The sanctions come as Cambodia continues an intensified nationwide crackdown on online scam operations.
Government figures from July 2025 to June 2026 show that authorities referred 268 online crime cases involving 2,773 suspects to the courts. Around 2,200 suspects remain in pretrial detention, and deported more than 21,000 foreign nationals from 38 countries, with most coming from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh.
During the year-long campaign, authorities raided 665 locations suspected of scam operations and inspected 195 licensed casinos.
