FBI Seizes $8 Billion In Crypto, Busts Global Scam Compounds
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the FBI announced it seized more than 127,000 bitcoin worth over $8 billion in its largest-ever forfeiture while dismantling intercontinental scam compounds.[1]
The operation centers on Chen Zhi, CEO of Cambodia's Prince Holding Group, who faces U.S. federal wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracy charges tied to guarded "scam compounds." Fox News Raids across multiple countries, including Dubai, led to about 275 arrests and six suspects flagged for extradition to the United States, and the FBI said nearly 2,000 trafficked workers were freed.[1] Investigators say some compounds were linked to the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and Chinese organized crime and focused on defrauding U.S. victims, including a reported $3 million romance-scam loss.[1]
Officials say the compounds rented secure, gated facilities to house coerced workers who phoned and ran online schemes aimed at U.S. consumers.[1] The FBI called the forfeiture of more than 127,000 bitcoin its largest-ever, and officials said the crypto seizure will help recover funds for victims and disrupt the networks' finances.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- The FBI announced on May 28, 2026 that it seized more than 127,000 bitcoin worth over $8 billion in its largest-ever forfeiture.
- Chen Zhi, CEO of Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group, faces U.S. federal wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracy charges tied to guarded scam compounds.
- Operations including raids in Dubai resulted in about 275 arrests, with six suspects to be extradited to the U.S., and the FBI says nearly 2,000 trafficked workers were freed.
- The scam compounds, linked in some cases to the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and Chinese organized crime, allegedly focused on defrauding Americans, including one $3 million romance scam victim.
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