Who Is Chen Zhi? The ‘Untouchable’ Cambodian Tycoon Now Facing Global Sanctions

Chen Zhi, a powerful businessman with ties deep inside Cambodia’s political system, is now under intense international scrutiny. The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on him, alleging his involvement in massive cyber scam networks linked to human trafficking, forced labour, and global financial fraud.

A Powerful Business Magnate

Chen Zhi, 37, is the chairman of Prince Holding Group, one of Cambodia’s largest business empires. Though born in China, he holds both British and Cambodian citizenship. Since 2015, his group has expanded into over 30 countries, with major investments in real estate, finance, and consumer markets. In Phnom Penh alone, Prince Group has invested around US$2 billion, including the construction of Prince Plaza.

He holds the elite Cambodian title “Neak Oknha”, meaning a nation-recognized tycoon, and has previously served as an adviser to both Prime Minister Hun Manet and former leader Hun Sen. Analysts say his influence reaches high levels of government, making him one of the most “untouchable” figures in the country.

Why Is Chen Zhi Sanctioned?

According to the US Department of Justice, Prince Group allegedly served as a shell for one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal networks. He and his executives are accused of:

• Running forced labour compounds in Cambodia

• Trafficking workers across borders

• Organizing large-scale cyber scam hubs, including “pig butchering” crypto fraud schemes

• Using political power and bribes to avoid prosecution

The US indictment accuses Chen of money laundering involving US$15 billion worth of Bitcoin. Victims from around the world lost billions through the scams his network allegedly controlled.

Forced Labour & Scam Compounds

Investigations claim thousands of people, many trafficked from abroad, were held inside heavily guarded buildings with barbed wire. Under threats and violence, they were forced to operate online scams—building fake romantic and financial trust with victims before stealing their assets.

Chen Zhi’s Response

Prince Group has strongly denied all allegations, calling them “defamatory”. They insist their businesses aim to improve Cambodia’s economy through investment and development.

So far, Chen Zhi himself has remained silent in public, and no official statement has been issued in response to the latest sanctions.

Will the Sanctions Change Anything?

Experts say these sanctions are historic—because it’s the first time such a powerful figure, deeply linked to a ruling government, has faced this level of coordinated international action. Officials in Cambodia say they will cooperate with the investigation and are “not protecting anyone who breaks the law.”

However, some analysts warn that removing such a major player might create a power vacuum, allowing other criminal groups to fill the gap.