Big Take Weekend Listen: The Rise and Fall of an Alleged Scam Boss
9 snips
Mar 15, 2026 
David Ramli, Bloomberg investing reporter in Singapore, offers investigative reporting on regional business scandals. He walks through dramatic arrest footage and allegations of scams, trafficking and money laundering. He outlines how political ties, casinos and banks fed a sprawling empire. He describes scam hubs, lucrative operations and the international pressure that led to its collapse.
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From Internet Cafes To Prince Real Estate
- Chen started in internet cafes in Fujian and moved to Cambodia around age 24 to seek fortune.
- He founded Prince Real Estate, doubled down during an early downturn, and used that bet to become a key Cambodian player.
Legitimate Businesses Masked Alleged Scam Infrastructure
- Prince Group expanded from property into casinos, hotels, banks and services, creating dual-use infrastructure for alleged scams.
- Offices and campuses in Sihanoukville allegedly housed scam operations that targeted victims worldwide.
Pig Butchering Generated Massive Daily Revenue
- Scam centers ran 24/7 and used tactics like romance and investment fraud, known as pig butchering.
- A lieutenant claimed operations generated over $30 million per day in 2018, showing extreme profitability.