Brussels: The Council has announced the imposition of restrictive measures on seven individuals and three entities accountable for egregious human rights violations, including human trafficking and torture, tied to the operation of scam centres across Southeast Asia.
According to European Union, the Prince Holding Group and its chairman, Chen Zhi, are among the primary targets. This multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, headquartered in Cambodia, constructs scam centre compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar through various front companies. These centres are involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent activities. Victims from multiple countries are reportedly trafficked or deceived under false pretences, held captive, and coerced into executing online scams targeting global victims. Reports from these centres include cases of abuse, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention.
Similarly, the Jin Bei Group, another conglomerate developing casinos and scam centre compounds in Cambodia, is listed for its involvement in similar fraudulent schemes. The chairman of Jin Bei Group, Zhu Zhongbiao, has also been named in the EU's list.
The EU has extended restrictive measures to the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Burmese armed group that controls territory in Myanmar's Karen State. DKBA is accused of facilitating large-scale scam centres by allowing these illegal operations to function under its protection and enabling criminal networks within its controlled areas. Reports indicate that DKBA soldiers have participated in violence against human trafficking victims trapped in these compounds.
The listed individuals and entities face an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with funds. Additionally, the individuals are subject to a travel ban, barring entry or transit through EU territories. The relevant legal acts have been documented in the Official Journal of the EU.
On 7 December 2020, the Council established a Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, addressing acts such as genocide and other grave human rights abuses. This regime reinforces the EU's dedication to combating serious human rights violations worldwide.
The European Union has voiced its serious concerns over the rise of scam centres in Southeast Asia, orchestrated by transnational organised criminal networks linked to severe human rights abuses. The EU underscores the importance of dismantling these networks, safeguarding victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. Restrictive measures have been imposed on those responsible for operations threatening the peace and stability of Myanmar and the region as of 29 October 2024.