柬埔寨大型“杀猪盘”被端，美国没收电诈头目近13万枚比特币

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant crackdown by U.S. law enforcement on a large-scale cryptocurrency scam operation known as "pig butchering" in Cambodia, leading to the seizure of approximately 127,271 bitcoins valued at around $15 billion [3][4]. Group 1: Criminal Organization and Operations - The Prince Holding Group, led by Chen Zhi, is identified as a major player in this scam, operating forced labor fraud camps across Cambodia [5][8]. - Victims were lured under the pretense of high-paying jobs and were subjected to violence and coercion to carry out scams [6][23]. - The group is described as one of Asia's largest transnational crime organizations, with operations in multiple countries [8]. Group 2: Legal Actions and Consequences - Chen Zhi faces charges of telecommunications fraud and money laundering, with a potential maximum sentence of 40 years if convicted [7]. - The U.S. Treasury has designated the Prince Holding Group as a transnational criminal organization and has imposed sanctions on over 100 related individuals and entities [9]. - The operation is considered one of the most significant strikes against global human trafficking and online financial fraud [18]. Group 3: Impact and Scale of Fraud - The scams have resulted in billions of dollars in losses for victims worldwide, causing immense suffering [11]. - The article highlights the increase in online scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, as traditional gambling venues closed and criminal organizations shifted to online platforms [19]. - In the past year, U.S. citizens reportedly lost over $10 billion due to Southeast Asian fraud, marking a 66% increase from the previous year [21]. Group 4: Operational Tactics and Infrastructure - The criminal networks are well-organized, utilizing various tactics including fake investment platforms and leveraging political influence to shield their activities [15][24]. - The article notes that the Cambodian operations are supported by weak regulatory environments, making it a haven for such criminal activities [20].