Bitcoin worth $15 billion seized after romance scam centre crackdown | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDavid Maddox & Jane DaltonTuesday 14 October 2025 23:33 BSTFBI warns public about romance scams targeting individuals onlineUK and US authorities have launched a joint crackdown on criminal networks operating romance scam centres in Southeast Asia, resulting in significant asset seizures and sanctions.The operation led to the largest bitcoin seizure in US Department of Justice history, valued at $15bn (£11.3bn), and the freezing of luxury London properties linked to the illicit activities.Sanctions have been imposed on individuals and entities, including Chen Zhi, chairman of Cambodia-based Prince Holding Group, who is accused of directing forced-labour scam compounds.These scam centres lure victims into fake online relationships to defraud them of their savings, often using trafficked foreign nationals forced to carry out the fraud under threat of torture.Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the action aims to combat transnational threats, uphold human rights, protect British nationals, and prevent dirty money from entering the UK.In fullRecord bitcoin sum seized in UK-US crackdown on romance scam centresThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in