Brussels: The European Union has taken decisive action against serious human rights violations connected to the operation of scam centres in Southeast Asia by imposing restrictive measures on seven individuals and three entities. These measures target those involved in human trafficking, torture, and other inhumane treatments linked to these fraudulent operations.
According to European Union, the sanctions prominently include the Prince Holding Group and its chairman, Chen Zhi. This conglomerate, based in Cambodia, is implicated in constructing scam centre compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar through various front companies. These centres engage in cryptocurrency scams and other fraudulent schemes. Victims are often trafficked or deceived into these centres under false pretences, where they are detained and coerced into conducting online scams globally. Reports from within these centres highlight incidents of abuse, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention.
The EU has also listed the Jin Bei Group, known for developing casinos and scam centre compounds in Cambodia, with similar fraudulent intentions. Zhu Zhongbiao, the chairman of Jin Bei Group, is among those sanctioned. Additionally, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), an armed group in Myanmar, has been sanctioned for facilitating large-scale scam centres by protecting these illegal operations and enabling criminal networks in areas under its control. There have been reports of DKBA soldiers engaging in violence against trafficking victims within these compounds.
The sanctions entail an asset freeze for listed individuals and entities, prohibiting EU citizens and companies from making funds available to them. A travel ban is also imposed, preventing these individuals from entering or transiting through EU territories. These legal acts have been documented in the Official Journal of the EU.
The EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, established on 7 December 2020, is a framework to address acts like genocide, crimes against humanity, and other severe human rights violations. The regime highlights the EU's commitment to tackling serious human rights abuses worldwide. The EU has consistently voiced concerns over the rise of scam centres in Southeast Asia, linked to transnational criminal networks and associated with severe human rights abuses. It emphasizes dismantling these networks, protecting victims, and ensuring accountability for responsible parties. On 29 October 2024, the EU imposed measures against those endangering the peace, security, and stability of Myanmar and the region.