The European Union has implemented restrictive measures against the Cambodia-based Prince Holding Group, its chairman Chen Zhi, and various affiliated networks. The sanctions, enacted under the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, follow allegations that the conglomerate facilitated large-scale human trafficking and managed online scam operations across Southeast Asia.
According to the EU, the organization established at least 10 scam compounds in Cambodia, including the Jinbei Compound, Mango Park, and the Golden Fortune Science and Technology Park. Investigations indicate that individuals trafficked to these sites were subjected to forced labor, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, as well as kidnapping, torture, and forced prostitution. The EU stated that company leadership directed or sanctioned these abuses, noting that Chen possessed documentation of violence inflicted upon victims.
Chen, who was arrested and extradited to China in January, faces potential charges including intentional injury, which could carry the death penalty under Chinese law. Chinese authorities have also linked his network to illegal gambling, fraud, and money laundering. Despite his detention, the EU reports that scam compounds associated with the network remain active. Prince Holding Group has rejected the accusations and stated its intention to contest the findings in court.
The sanctions also extend to the Sihanoukville-based Jin Bei Group and its chairman, Zhu Zhongbiao, for their coordination with Prince Holding Group. The measures include a travel ban to EU territories and an asset freeze, prohibiting EU entities and citizens from providing funds to the listed parties. These actions follow similar designations by the United States and the United Kingdom last October.
The EU further alleged that the conglomerate expanded its operations into Myanmar through front companies. These international sanctions coincide with an ongoing crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who reported investigating 665 suspected scam locations and over 190 casinos between July 2025 and June 2026.
Source: CamboJA News
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