In a shocking twist that feels like a thriller plot, authorities in Thailand and Singapore are diving deep into a Cambodian real estate group after the U.S. and Britain slapped sanctions on its chairman, Chen Zhi, for alleged fraud and money laundering. This isn’t just a routine investigation; it marks a significant crackdown on a sprawling cyber fraud empire.

According to Surapol Prembutr, the commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, Thai officials are set to collaborate with their U.S. counterparts to navigate the asset seizure process surrounding the Prince Holding Group. What’s at stake? A staggering $15 billion worth of bitcoin seized in this high-stakes game of financial chess.

Meanwhile, Singaporean authorities are also on the case, engaging with international partners to uncover the extent of these allegations. A brief statement from the Singapore police confirmed their commitment to this investigation, hinting that the implications of this case could ripple across borders.

On Tuesday, U.S. officials formally charged Chen Zhi, dubbing him the mastermind behind a vast cyber fraud scheme. The U.K. government didn’t sit idle either, freezing 19 properties linked to Chen, including a jaw-dropping £100 million (around $134 million) office block and a luxurious £12 million mansion in northwest London. If you thought financial crimes were left in the shadows, think again!

This isn’t just about real estate; it’s about the serious implications of financial misconduct in the digital age. Chen and his associates had previously set up a family office in Singapore back in 2018, a move that initially seemed legitimate as they claimed tax incentives from the financial regulator. Now, the question arises: Did they breach any requirements?

As this investigation unfolds, the world watches to see how authorities tackle this enormous web of deceit, and whether justice will prevail in this unprecedented scenario.