Who Is Chen Zhi? Inside the $75B Crypto Scam Empire

Chen Zhi ran a $10B crypto scam using 100,000 slaves. His empire included banks, casinos, and hotels before his 2025 extradition.

The cybersecurity research group vx-underground recently shared shocking details about Chen Zhi’s criminal network. Their findings reveal an operation so vast it defies simple explanation.

Chen Zhi built a business empire spanning continents and industries. But beneath the legitimate facade lay something sinister.

From Awards to Arrests: The Double Life of a Billionaire

Chen Zhi owned banks, hotels, casinos, and supermarkets across multiple countries. His operations stretched from the United States to Cambodia. He employed thousands of workers worldwide.

The 37-year-old received awards for his business ventures.

Political elites in China and Cambodia called him a friend. Cambodia even named him a “Lord” for his contributions.

He donated over $2 billion to Cambodian causes. His bank managed assets exceeding $1 billion. His real estate investments topped $10 billion.

According to vx-underground, his cigar investments alone reached $1.5 billion. He collected supercars, yachts, and mansions. On paper, Chen Zhi looked like a legitimate tycoon.

The more I look into Chen Zhi the more my head spins. This guy was CRAZY

I would have to write a MASSIVE document on this guy to explain everything.
– Owned a BANK
– Owned a series of hotels and apartments
– Owned a series of casinos
– Owned a series of supermarkets
– Owned…

— vx-underground (@vxunderground) January 9, 2026

The $30 Million Daily Scam Machine

The United States government uncovered the truth behind Chen Zhi’s wealth. His empire ran on human trafficking and forced labor.

Authorities assert he enslaved up to 100,000 people. Many victims were women and minors. They performed sextortion schemes and crypto scams under duress.

The operation generated staggering profits. At its peak, the network earned $30 million daily. That translates to roughly $10 billion annually.

Vx-underground notes the organization used torture and violence to control victims. Chen Zhi allegedly ordered the brutal murder of a 25-year-old man. The execution resembled cartel-style violence.

His network collaborated with the 14K Triad criminal organization. Together they managed casinos and trafficking operations. Chen Zhi worked with triad leader “Broken Tooth” on multiple criminal ventures.

These included prostitution, murder-for-hire, and drug smuggling operations.

Related Reading: $****12B Crypto Kingpin Arrested in Cambodia Crackdown

Record Bitcoin Seizure and Extradition to China

In 2025, United States authorities seized $15 billion worth of Bitcoin from Chen Zhi. The confiscation represents one of the largest cryptocurrency seizures in history.

Experts estimate his total assets exceeded $75 billion. The figure could climb even higher with further investigation.

The LBN team earlier reported on Chen Zhi’s extradition from Cambodia. Cambodian authorities arrested him on January 6 alongside two business associates.

Cambodia extradited the billionaire to China to face charges. He now confronts allegations of running a global crypto fraud network. The charges include forced labor and international theft.

His Prince Group operation stole billions from victims worldwide. The scam targeted people across multiple continents.

Vx-underground stated they would need a massive document to cover everything. The complexity of Chen Zhi’s network continues to emerge. Each investigation reveals new layers of criminality.

The case highlights the dark intersection of cryptocurrency and organized crime. It also exposes how human trafficking can hide behind legitimate business operations.