The UK sanctions the cryptocurrency scam market Xinbi and freezes multiple assets in the UK

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Home Office jointly announced sanctions against the illegal cryptocurrency market Xinbi and individuals related to Southeast Asian scam networks. According to data from blockchain analysis company Chainalysis, Xinbi processed over $19.9 billion in transactions from 2021 to 2025, involving illegal activities such as money laundering, unlicensed over-the-counter trading, and the sale of stolen personal data. The UK is the first country in the world to impose sanctions on Xinbi.

The sanctions also involve the operator of the Cambodian "#8 Park" scam base, Legend Innovation Co., and its head Eang Soklim, who is believed to be holding up to 20,000 trafficked workers. Meanwhile, multiple properties in London have been frozen, with previously seized assets including an office building valued at £100 million, two luxury homes, and a helicopter. UK officials stated that this action aims to cut off the financial infrastructure of the scam networks and will promote broader international coordinated cooperation at the illegal finance summit in June this year.