Cambodian courts froze close to $1 billion tied to Prince Group, including bank accounts, buildings, casino premises and thousands of properties. The case targets 198 affiliated companies and 29 suspects who have fled the country.
Prince Group assets worth close to $1 billion are frozen in Cambodia, covering more than $300 million in bank accounts plus buildings, casino premises and thousands of properties. Courts have issued arrest warrants for 32 people; six alleged ringleaders have already been referred to court. INTERPOL Red Notices are being sought for at least 29 suspects.
- The $1 Billion Freeze
- Casinos and the Scam Network
- Red Notices, Arrest Warrants and Interpol
- Casino Premises and the Online Gambling Ban
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, permanent vice-chairman and head of the Secretariat of Cambodia’s Commission for Combating Technology-enabled Scams, gave the figures to The Phnom Penh Post on October 21. The case centres on founder Chen Zhi and associates charged with aggravated fraud by an organised group and aggravated money laundering.
The freeze covers more than $300 million held in bank accounts. Court orders also reach buildings, casino premises, thousands of properties and movable assets, giving the combined figure of nearly $1 billion. The freezes are not final confiscations; they remain subject to Prince Group court decisions while proceedings continue.
The $1 billion Prince Group freeze
Of the 198 companies investigators have tied to the group, 98 are registered in Cambodia and 100 operate overseas. The freeze is broad enough to reach both halves of that structure.
Justice Minister Koeut Rith signalled earlier this year that the government intends to confiscate Chen Zhi’s assets for the state treasury. Options under review include temporary state administration or permanent state ownership. Courts are now examining the legal basis for those options while proceedings continue.
Casinos among the frozen Prince Group assets
Investigators allege that buildings and casino premises run under affiliate names were used to host online scam operations. That makes the frozen assets more than property; they are the physical layer of the network.
The wider sweep found 28 casino locations implicated in criminal activity. Authorities are still examining illegal activity hidden behind casinos and other licensed businesses. Licensed Prince Group gaming venues are therefore in scope, not just offshore scams.
Red notices, arrest warrants and INTERPOL
Courts have issued arrest warrants for 32 people and placed four others under judicial supervision. Six alleged ringleaders have been arrested and referred to court: Chen Zhi, Li Song, Liu Yin, Eng Dara, Eang Soklim and Huang Ron.
Cambodia is seeking INTERPOL Red Notices for at least 29 more individuals believed to have fled. Investigators are also working to identify five additional suspects. The coordination extends beyond Cambodia, with intelligence shared with the FBI and China’s Ministry of Public Security.
Casino premises and the online gambling ban
Authorities investigated 910 locations linked to online scams from July 2025 to the end of September 2026, covering all 86 major scam centres flagged during the crackdown. Over that period, 529 cases went to court and 5,778 accused individuals were charged or detained.
Twenty-two,892 foreign nationals from 40 countries have been sent home after being found at these sites. The Prince Group disclosures now sit alongside nationwide casino inspections aimed at enforcing the online gambling ban announced earlier this month.
AGBrief tracks how these enforcement steps are affecting Asian gaming operators.
Sinarith said the government will continue strict legal action against online fraud and aims to stop Cambodia being used as a base for cross-border crime. The frozen assets are part of that effort, and the casino premises under them show how tightly the scam network is tied to licensed venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cambodia freeze?
Cambodian courts froze close to $1 billion tied to Prince Group, including more than $300 million in bank accounts and court orders covering buildings, casino premises and thousands of properties. The freezes are not final confiscations.
How many Prince Group companies are involved?
Investigators have mapped 198 affiliated companies. 98 are registered in Cambodia and 100 operate overseas. The network is tied to founder Chen Zhi, with aggravated fraud and money laundering under examination.
Who has been arrested in the case?
Six alleged ringleaders have been arrested and referred to court: Chen Zhi, Li Song, Liu Yin, Eng Dara, Eang Soklim and Huang Ron. Courts issued arrest warrants for 32 people and placed four others under judicial supervision.
Are the frozen assets being confiscated?
The freezes remain subject to court decisions. Options under review include temporary state administration or permanent state ownership. Justice Minister Koeut Rith signalled earlier this year that Chen Zhi’s assets may be confiscated for the state treasury.
How many INTERPOL Red Notices are being sought?
Cambodia is seeking Red Notices for at least 29 suspects believed to have fled the country, while investigators work to identify five more. Intelligence is being shared with the FBI and China’s Ministry of Public Security.
Why are casinos being investigated?
Investigators allege that Prince Group buildings and casino premises hosted online scam operations. Authorities identified 28 casino locations implicated in criminal activity and are continuing to examine illegal activity behind licensed businesses.
This article has been thoroughly researched and reviewed by the CasinoBait editorial team to ensure accuracy and relevance for Asian casino players.
