U.S. Seizes $15B Bitcoin from Cambodia-Based Scam

U.S. Department of Justice’s Largest Cryptocurrency Seizure

The U.S. government has seized $15 billion in Bitcoin tied to a massive scam directed by Chen Zhi in Cambodia, marking the largest cryptocurrency asset seizure in U.S. history.

This seizure underscores the growing threats from transnational crypto frauds, sparking significant industry and governmental responses to tighten compliance and mitigate risk impacts.

U.S. Department of Justice’s Largest Cryptocurrency Seizure

The U.S. Department of Justice has conducted the largest cryptocurrency asset seizure in its history, detaining $15 billion in Bitcoin linked to a fraudulent scheme operated by Prince Holding Group, a major Cambodian conglomerate.

The operation was led by Chen Zhi , the founder of Prince Holding Group. His network is accused of running forced-labor scam compounds in Cambodia, targeting victims worldwide with fake investment opportunities.

This seizure has immediate ramifications for cryptocurrency markets, affecting asset flows and compliance protocols. Both regulatory bodies and exchanges have been proactive in updating their sanctions and monitoring practices.

Financial impacts are profound, with over 127,000 Bitcoins now in U.S. government custody. This removal of assets from circulation influences liquidity and asset tracking measures across platforms involved in cryptocurrency trading.

This episode draws parallels with previous major confiscations like the Silk Road and PlusToken scandals, both of which had broad market consequences.

Analysts predict that this seizure could lead to stricter regulatory oversight and technological advancements in crypto compliance tools, emphasizing transparent transactions and precise tracking of illicit flows.

“The rapid rise of transnational fraud has cost American citizens billions of dollars, with life savings wiped out in minutes.”
— Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Treasury Press Release