Crypto fraud of 15 billion: how criminals use artificial intelligence for robbery

In the USA and the UK, one of the largest crypto schemes in history has been uncovered. This concerns the Prince Group network, which accumulated bitcoins worth approximately 15 billion dollars through “pig-butchering” — a modern type of financial fraud.

How does it work?

Victims are lured to Cambodia under the guise of work, then held in underground complexes. They are ordered to launch bots and AI chatbots to communicate with potential victims. The criminals pose as investment advisors, hence the name of the scheme — initially, you are “fed” small profits, then everything is abruptly taken away.

According to estimates by South Korean intelligence agencies, about 1000 Koreans and citizens of other countries are being held in these centers. Some were recruited voluntarily, but then they were not allowed to leave.

Scale and Consequences

• Confiscated ~127 271 BTC
• Leader Chen Zhi is accused of organizing a scheme ( that threatens up to 40 years in prison )
• The case involves DW Capital — a Singaporean family office suspected of laundering billions.
• South Korea has officially banned travel to the areas of Cambodia where these complexes are located.

Why this is important for the crypto community

This case shows how cryptocurrency has become a tool for some of the strongest criminal networks. Unlike traditional money, crypto is harder to trace, which is why regulators are increasing pressure on exchanges. KYC checks and monitoring of suspicious addresses are becoming the standard.

This is also another signal: if you are offered investments through social media with promises of quick wealth — it is 99% fraud.