Largest Bitcoin Forfeiture in DOJ History Linked to Global Crypto Fraud and Human Trafficking
On October 14, 2025, a landmark legal action was announced in Brooklyn, New York, involving Chen Zhi (also known as Vincent), founder and chairman of Prince Holding Group. Chen was indicted for wire fraud and money laundering related to forced labor operations in Cambodia, alongside his involvement in cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, notably the "pig butchering" scams that deceived victims worldwide.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil forfeiture complaint for approximately 127,271 Bitcoin, valued at around $15 billion. This marks the largest cryptocurrency forfeiture in DOJ history, underscoring the gravity of the financial crimes tied to this case.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the extensive multinational criminal network which allegedly exploited trafficked individuals to conduct sophisticated online scams. This operation spans multiple continents, combining human trafficking and financial fraud in a devastating manner.
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This case not only reflects the increasing focus of law enforcement on crypto-related crime but also serves as a reminder to conduct due diligence and use trusted services like Bitlet.app when investing in digital assets.