11月9日，中国国家计算机病毒应急处理中心发布了《LuBian矿池遭黑客攻击被窃取巨额比特币事件技术溯源分析报告》，揭示了美国如何操作这件事。报 告称，美国利用国家级黑客团队，历时四年，最终将本应归还诈骗受害者的比特币转移到美国国库。 要理清这件事，我们得从头说起。陈志，1987年出生，福建连江人。2002年，他在高中未完成学业时开始搭建《传奇》私服，凭此赚到了第一个100万。随 后，他转行做私服发布站，出售广告位，收取保护费，几年的时间就积累了千万财富。随着国内对私服的打击越来越严厉，陈志转而开始从事电信诈骗业 务，最初与台湾的犯罪团伙合作，做一些"猜猜我是谁"或"恭喜中奖"等骗局。 到了2015年左右，国内的打击力度加大，他便跑到了柬埔寨西哈努克港，在那里与洪森政府建立了关系，获得了柬埔寨国籍，并创办了"太子集团"。表面 上，太子集团的业务涉及地产、金融、酒店等领域，但实际上，它是一个披着跨国集团外衣的电信诈骗窝点。从2015年起，太子集团在柬埔寨、老挝、缅甸 等地建立了至少10个诈骗园区。 美国出动国家级黑客，花费了四年时间，最终把柬埔寨太子电诈集团的上百亿资金偷进了美国国库。这件事可能不少人听说过，柬 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and fall of Chen Zhi, who built a vast empire in Southeast Asia involving real estate, finance, and gambling, but is now facing investigations from multiple law enforcement agencies, leading to the collapse of his operations and the exposure of the connections between the Southeast Asian fraud industry and the global financial system [2][3]. Group 1: Background and Rise - Chen Zhi, originally from a small fishing village in Fujian, China, transitioned from a net café manager to the head of the Prince Group in Cambodia, which was involved in various sectors but primarily focused on scams and online gambling [5][6]. - He established a network of cross-border fraud teams by exploiting the lack of regulatory oversight in Cambodia, quickly replicating successful scam models from China [6]. - The Prince Group was reported to have a workforce of 5,000 to 10,000 employees engaged in fraudulent activities, with over 700,000 registered scam accounts [6][10]. Group 2: Business Operations and Wealth Accumulation - Chen Zhi's wealth grew rapidly, with the Prince Group reportedly generating a daily cash flow of up to $30 million at its peak [10]. - He invested heavily in luxury real estate in Singapore, acquiring properties worth approximately 40 million Singapore dollars within six months, and held assets valued over $1 billion in various global locations [10]. - The group also controlled about 6% of the global Bitcoin mining power, with 127,000 Bitcoins seized by U.S. authorities, valued at over $15 billion [10][12]. Group 3: Legal Challenges and Investigations - In October 2025, a joint operation by U.S. and U.K. authorities led to the seizure of Chen Zhi's assets and the filing of charges related to telecom fraud and money laundering [18]. - The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Chen Zhi and 146 associated individuals and entities, restricting their activities within the U.S. financial system [18]. - The case has highlighted significant challenges in cryptocurrency regulation, cross-border law enforcement, and the oversight of family offices in Singapore, which were previously seen as avenues for money laundering [22][23][24].

Core Insights - The U.S. government seized 127,271 bitcoins worth approximately $15 billion from a private wallet controlled by Chen Zhi, founder of the Prince Group, amidst ongoing criminal investigations [1][3][4] - This unprecedented action challenges the long-held belief in the inviolability of cryptocurrency assets stored in private wallets, demonstrating that state mechanisms can execute asset seizures even when the criminal mastermind remains at large [1][5] Group 1: The Scheme - Chen Zhi, a businessman with dual citizenship in the UK and Cambodia, is accused of running a sophisticated telecom fraud operation in Cambodia, which operates under a facade of legitimate business [3] - The Prince Group is alleged to be part of a larger "network fraud industrial ecosystem" in Southeast Asia, with U.S. estimates indicating that Americans lost at least $10 billion to such scams in 2024, a 66% increase from the previous year [3][4] Group 2: Money Laundering Techniques - The Prince Group employed a specialized on-chain money laundering technique known as the "spray-funnel" model, which involved splitting large amounts of cryptocurrency into numerous wallets and then recombining them to obscure tracking [4][6] - The seized bitcoins are linked to a significant theft from a mining company named "LuBian" in 2020, where approximately 127,426 bitcoins were stolen, indicating a complex web of illicit activities [4][6] Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Implications - The case illustrates a complete process for handling on-chain assets by judicial and intelligence agencies: on-chain tracking, financial sanctions, and judicial seizure [5][6] - The U.S. Treasury implemented sanctions against Chen Zhi and related entities, effectively cutting off their access to the U.S. dollar clearing system [6][8] Group 4: Security Concerns - The seizure raises significant questions about the security of Bitcoin, as the wallets involved had vulnerabilities in their private key generation, leading to increased predictability and potential exploitation [7][8] - The incident highlights the need for improved security measures in cryptocurrency wallets to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future [7][8] Group 5: Regulatory Evolution - This seizure marks a shift in how state authorities can exert control over on-chain assets, breaking the myth of "unseizable" digital assets [8][9] - The U.S. is establishing a "strategic Bitcoin reserve" mechanism, indicating that seized bitcoins may be held as state assets rather than simply auctioned off, signaling a new era of regulatory oversight [8][9]

Core Insights - The U.S. Department of Justice seized a staggering $15 billion worth of Bitcoin from a Cambodian fraud group, highlighting the scale of financial crime and its implications for global security [2][26]. Group 1: Fraud Group Overview - The fraud group, known as the "Prince Group," was led by Chen Zhi, a 38-year-old from Fujian, who initially made money through unauthorized game servers before relocating to Cambodia to evade Chinese law enforcement [5][7]. - Chen Zhi established connections with the Cambodian government, becoming an advisor to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, which provided a protective layer for his operations [7][19]. - The group expanded its operations to target American citizens, resulting in over $10 billion in fraud losses in 2024 alone [9][12]. Group 2: Operational Tactics - The group utilized advanced technology, including SpaceX's Starlink, to facilitate their operations, demonstrating the intersection of technology and crime [12][14]. - They registered multiple companies in Taiwan, exploiting lax regulatory environments to launder money while maintaining a facade of legitimate business activities [16][21]. - The group’s operations were sophisticated, with a focus on English-speaking employees to specifically target American victims [12][19]. Group 3: Regulatory and Financial Implications - The U.S. government's seizure of assets was partly motivated by a need for funds amid a government shutdown, illustrating the financial pressures influencing law enforcement actions [25]. - The incident has raised questions about the security of cryptocurrencies, as the U.S. Department of Justice was able to trace and seize Bitcoin, contradicting claims of decentralization and anonymity [29][31]. - Following the seizure, Bitcoin's value dropped significantly, prompting central banks worldwide to increase gold purchases as a safer asset [31][35]. Group 4: Ongoing Challenges - Despite the seizure, the underlying issues of fraud and cybercrime remain prevalent, with ongoing operations in regions like Cambodia and Myanmar [35][37]. - The regulatory environment in Taiwan has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in combating money laundering and fraud, raising concerns about the adequacy of global financial regulations [21][37].

Core Insights - The U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of 127,271 bitcoins controlled by Chen Zhi, founder of the Prince Group, valued at approximately $15 billion, marking the largest asset freeze in cryptocurrency history [1] Group 1: Background of Chen Zhi and the Prince Group - Chen Zhi, born in 1987 in Fujian, China, transitioned from a net cafe owner to a transnational crime figure, establishing a complex network of illegal activities over a decade [3][5] - In 2011, Chen Zhi founded Hengxin Real Estate in Cambodia, capitalizing on the post-war reconstruction and chaotic real estate market [5] - The establishment of the Prince Group in 2015 marked the beginning of a diversified business empire, including casinos, shopping centers, and banks, while simultaneously building a criminal network [5][6] Group 2: Criminal Activities and Operations - The Prince Group operated an online gambling network targeting Chinese citizens, with illegal profits exceeding 5 billion yuan [6] - Following Cambodia's gambling ban in 2020, Chen Zhi shifted focus to telecom fraud, creating multiple scam centers that exploited hundreds of victims [8][10] - The organization employed a sophisticated management system akin to legitimate businesses, with detailed operational protocols for scamming victims [10][11] Group 3: Financial Growth and Asset Accumulation - Over ten years, Chen Zhi's wealth expanded exponentially, acquiring luxury properties and assets, including a £12 million villa in London and a $24 million yacht [10] - The Prince Group utilized cryptocurrency for money laundering, employing techniques to obscure the flow of funds until blockchain analysis revealed their operations [11][22] Group 4: Political Connections and Protection - Chen Zhi's political connections in Cambodia provided a protective shield for his criminal activities, allowing him to evade law enforcement through bribery and political donations [11][14] - The organization expanded its network across over 30 countries, forming a symbiotic relationship between crime, power, and capital [11][14] Group 5: Legal Consequences and Future Implications - The seizure of $15 billion in assets highlighted vulnerabilities in the Prince Group's operations, particularly their reliance on cryptocurrency for laundering [22] - The U.S. exercised jurisdiction based on the impact of the fraud on American citizens, leading to significant legal repercussions for the Prince Group and its affiliates [22] - The ongoing investigations and asset freezes indicate a potential unraveling of Chen Zhi's protective network, suggesting that his criminal empire may be facing imminent collapse [22]

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights the extensive crackdown on Chinese nationals involved in fraud in northern Myanmar, with over 57,000 suspects apprehended since the initiation of the special operation by the Ministry of Public Security [1] - Recent judicial actions include the initiation of public prosecution against the Wei and Liu crime groups, following the trial and sentencing of the Bai and Ming crime groups [1] - The "Four Great Families" crime groups in northern Myanmar have all entered judicial proceedings, indicating a significant legal response to organized crime in the region [1] Group 2 - The Wei family has established a powerful "iron triangle" of politics, military, and business, with key figures including Wei Chaoren and Wei Huairen, who have leveraged their political and military connections for criminal activities [2][4] - Wei Huairen, holding a position of authority in the border defense forces, has utilized his power to appoint family members to key positions, consolidating control over the region [2][6] - The Wei family has engaged in various illicit industries, including gambling and pornography, while creating a facade of prosperity to lure Chinese citizens to northern Myanmar for fraudulent activities [8] Group 3 - The Wei family's criminal operations have included the establishment of armed control over fraud zones, which has been emulated by other crime families, leading to a toxic criminal ecosystem in the area [13] - The family has been implicated in heinous acts, including murder, with evidence suggesting a culture of violence and disregard for human life among its members [14][24] - Investigations have revealed the brutal methods employed by the Wei family, including the execution of individuals as part of initiation rituals and disputes with rival factions [18][26] Group 4 - The Chinese police have undertaken significant efforts to gather evidence and secure convictions against the Wei family, including collaboration with Myanmar's law enforcement [28][30] - The discovery of additional remains of Chinese victims has underscored the severity of the crimes committed by the Wei family, with a focus on ensuring justice for the victims [30]

Core Viewpoint - The article reveals the details of the criminal activities of the Wei family crime group in Northern Myanmar, highlighting their organized structure and the serious crimes they are involved in, including fraud, murder, and human trafficking [1][3][23]. Group 1: Criminal Organization Structure - The Wei family has established a "iron triangle" of politics, military, and business, which has allowed them to maintain control over armed forces and engage in criminal activities [3][9][21]. - The group has created a model of armed violence control over telecom fraud parks, which has been emulated by other crime families in the region [21][24]. - The family has a clear division of roles, with members involved in politics, military, and business, ensuring the continuity of their power and influence [24][27]. Group 2: Criminal Activities and Methods - The Wei family has been involved in various criminal activities, including organized fraud, murder, and illegal detention, with a focus on exploiting Chinese citizens [23][48]. - They have developed a sophisticated fraud operation, utilizing social media to create a false sense of prosperity in Northern Myanmar, attracting victims to their schemes [16][70]. - The group has been implicated in a significant amount of fraud, with investigations revealing nearly 60 billion yuan in fraudulent activities [64][70]. Group 3: Violence and Control Tactics - The group employs extreme violence to maintain control over their operations, including ritualistic killings to solidify loyalty among members [29][31][35]. - The use of armed forces to suppress dissent among lower-level fraud workers has become a standard practice within their operations [26][40]. - Evidence of brutal killings and the disregard for human life has been documented, showcasing the group's ruthless nature [38][40]. Group 4: Financial Operations and Impact - The Wei family's operations have generated substantial wealth, with individual fraud schemes reportedly yielding billions [50][60]. - They have diversified their criminal activities to include traditional illegal enterprises, using the proceeds to further their influence and operations [65][70]. - The group's financial strategies involve complex money laundering operations, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace illicit funds [62][64].

Core Viewpoint - The recent prosecution of the Wei family and Liu family criminal groups marks a significant step in addressing organized crime in northern Myanmar, particularly in the context of telecom fraud and associated violent crimes [1][3]. Group 1: Criminal Activities and Structure - The Wei family criminal group has established a "triangular" structure involving politics, military, and business, which has allowed them to operate with significant power and influence in northern Myanmar [3][7]. - The group has created a model of armed control over telecom fraud operations, leveraging their political connections and military authority to maintain dominance [18][11]. - The criminal activities of the Wei family extend beyond fraud to include murder, illegal detention, and organized prostitution, showcasing a complex web of criminal enterprises [20][57]. Group 2: Financial Operations and Scale - From 2018 to 2023, the Wei family criminal group has developed multiple fraud parks, with the total amount of fraud identified nearing 60 billion yuan, alongside significant gambling operations [46][57]. - The group's operations have evolved to include sophisticated scams that combine traditional methods with new techniques, significantly increasing their financial gains [50][52]. - The financial ecosystem of the Wei family is supported by various illegal activities, including gambling and drug-related enterprises, which serve as additional revenue streams [59][63]. Group 3: Social and Political Implications - The rise of the Wei family criminal group reflects a broader issue of governance and law enforcement in northern Myanmar, where power dynamics are heavily influenced by organized crime [41][69]. - The group's ability to operate with impunity highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such entrenched criminal networks [43][71]. - The lavish lifestyles of the Wei family members, funded by their criminal enterprises, illustrate the social consequences of their actions, impacting local communities and contributing to a culture of violence and fear [67][69].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of the telecom fraud industry in East and Southeast Asia is likened to the Industrial Revolution in 18th century Britain, significantly impacting and potentially overturning traditional underground societies in Asia [2][6]. Group 1: Historical Context - The traditional underground society in Asia has roots in secret societies from feudal times, evolving through various historical phases, including the establishment of the Hongmen [3][4]. - The transition from a feudal to a capitalist underground society marks a significant historical shift, with mainland Chinese individuals now playing a prominent role in global underground activities [4][6]. Group 2: Current Landscape of Underground Economy - The telecom fraud industry has grown to a scale where it constitutes over 30% of Cambodia's GDP, with global fraudsters stealing over $1.03 trillion in 2024 [7]. - Money laundering is estimated to account for 2% to 5% of global GDP, translating to approximately $800 billion to $2 trillion annually, highlighting the vast scale of the underground economy [7]. Group 3: Technological Impact - The rise of AI technology has revolutionized the fraud industry, exemplified by a significant case in Hong Kong where AI was used to impersonate a CFO, resulting in a loss of 200 million HKD [8][14]. - The telecom fraud industry is transitioning from labor-intensive to capital-intensive and technology-driven, making it easier to replicate and scale operations [14][15]. Group 4: Economic Integration - The underground economy is increasingly intertwined with legitimate sectors, as illicit gains are often reinvested into legal businesses, contributing to GDP statistics [13]. - The telecom fraud industry is characterized by a high degree of specialization and marketization, creating a complex ecosystem that is difficult to dismantle [12][15]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The telecom fraud industry is expected to continue its global expansion, driven by technological advancements and the increasing ease of entry into the market [15]. - The integration of traditional underground elements with modern capitalistic practices suggests a transformative phase for the industry, reshaping the power dynamics within global underground societies [15][16].