Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and fall of Chen Zhi, a figure involved in a large-scale criminal organization engaged in fraud and money laundering, culminating in a significant legal case in the United States where he was accused of controlling a network that spanned over 30 countries and involved the seizure of approximately 127,271 bitcoins valued at around $15 billion [5][42]. Background and Early Life - Chen Zhi was born in 1987 in a prosperous village in Fujian Province, China, and had a modest upbringing with a low level of education, dropping out after junior high school [5][6]. - His early career began in internet cafes, which were prevalent in his hometown, where he worked as a network administrator [7][9]. Initial Ventures - Chen Zhi reportedly made his first significant earnings through operating private game servers, particularly for the popular game "Legend," which involved illegal activities such as copyright infringement [10][12]. - After leaving Shanghai, he moved to Cambodia around 2009, where he initially attempted to enter the real estate market but faced challenges due to a lack of experience and resources [13][16]. Transition to Gambling and Fraud - In 2014, the Cambodian government legalized gambling, which provided Chen Zhi with an opportunity to pivot his business model towards the gambling industry, capitalizing on the influx of Chinese capital seeking gambling licenses [17][21]. - He established a business model that combined elements of online gambling and fraud, known as "kill pig" scams, which involved manipulating gambling outcomes and exploiting players [22][25]. Expansion and Operations - Chen Zhi's operations expanded significantly, with the establishment of "Taizi Group," which ventured into real estate, small loans, and tourism, while maintaining connections to his fraudulent activities [27][28]. - His network grew to include thousands of associates from his hometown, who became integral to his operations, particularly in promoting and managing the scams [26][27]. Legal Challenges and Decline - In 2019, the Cambodian government announced a crackdown on online gambling, which severely impacted Chen Zhi's operations, leading to a mass exodus of workers and a decline in business [33][35]. - Despite having influential connections, including high-ranking officials, the crackdown forced him to adapt his business model, leading to increased violence and criminal activities within his operations [38][39]. Final Downfall - By 2025, Chen Zhi faced significant legal repercussions from U.S. authorities, culminating in accusations of fraud affecting numerous individuals, which led to the collapse of his extensive criminal enterprise [41][42].