amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1)
On 7 December 2020, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 (1).
(2)
On 8 December 2020, in the Declaration by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on behalf of the European Union, regarding the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, the Union and its Member States reaffirmed their strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime underscores the Union’s determination to enhance its role in addressing serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide. Achieving the effective enjoyment of human rights by everyone is a strategic goal of the Union. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights is a fundamental value of the Union and its common foreign and security policy.
(3)
The Union has consistently expressed grave concern about the proliferation of scam centres in Southeast Asia, which are operated by transnational organised criminal networks and are associated with trafficking in human beings, forced criminality, arbitrary detention, torture and other serious human rights violations and abuses. The Union has underlined the need to dismantle those criminal networks, protect victims and ensure accountability for those responsible. The Union has already imposed restrictive measures on those responsible for scam operations threatening the peace, security and stability of Myanmar/Burma and the region.
(4)
In that context, seven persons and three entities should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999.
(5)
Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.
Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 is amended as follows:
(1)
the following entries are added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies under the heading ‘A. Natural persons’:
Names (Transliteration into Latin script)
Names
Identifying information
Reasons for listing
Date of listing
‘147.
Chen ZHI
a.k.a.
Neak Oknha Chen Zhi
陈志 (Chinese)
チェン・ジー
(Japanese)
(Khmer)
Position(s): Chairman of the Prince Holding Group
Nationality: China, Cambodia
DOB: 16.12.1987
POB: China
Gender: male
Chen Zhi is the Chairman of the Prince Holding Group. The Prince Holding Group is a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate based in Cambodia that builds scam centre compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar/Burma through different front companies. Chen Zhi is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to his role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The Prince Holding Group built and operated at least ten scam centre compounds throughout Cambodia that perpetrate cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent schemes. Those scam centre compounds include the Jinbei Compound in Cambodia, the Golden Fortune Science Case and Technology Park (also known as the Jinyun Compound) and Mango Park (also known as Jinhong Park). Inside those scam centre compounds, many victims from different countries are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world.
Additionally, victims working in the scam centre compounds report abuse, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention within those compounds. Victims who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to violence, intimidation, and other forms of severe mistreatment. Prince Holding Group associates, at Chen Zhi’s direction, frequently used violence and coercion to achieve business outcomes and further their criminal schemes. Furthermore, Chen Zhi possessed images of wounded victims of the Prince Holding Group’s violent methods. Although Chen Zhi was arrested in January 2026, scam centre compounds linked to him are still operating.
Therefore, Chen Zhi is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Chen Zhi is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026
148.
Zhu ZHONGBAIO
a.k.a.
Zhu Jack
朱中彪 (Chinese)
ジュ・チュオンビャオ
(Japanese)
(Khmer)
Position(s): Chairman of Jin Bei Group
Nationality: China, Cambodia
DOB: 23.12.1981
Gender: male
Address: Village 4, Sangkat 4, Preah Sihanouk City, Cambodia
Zhu Zhongbaio is the Chairman of the Jin Bei Group. The Jin Bei Group is a conglomerate that builds casinos and scam centre compounds in Cambodia. Zhu Zhongbaio is involved in serious human rights violations in Cambodia due to his role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The Jin Bei Group network has a network of casinos and related companies in Sihanoukville in Cambodia, including Jin Bei 4, a scam centre compound that perpetrates cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent schemes. Inside those scam centre compounds, many victims from different countries are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Additionally, victims working in the scam centre compounds report abuse, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention within those compounds.
Victims who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to violence, intimidation, and other forms of severe mistreatment. Furthermore, the Jin Bei Group and its related entities are associated with the Prince Holding Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate based in Cambodia that builds scam centre compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar/Burma through different front companies.
Therefore, Zhu Zhongbaio is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
30.7.2026
149.
Saw San AUNG
索桑昂 (Chinese)
ソー・サン・アウン
(Japanese)
(Burmese/Myanmar)
Position(s): Chief of Staff of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army
Nationality: Myanmar/Burma
Date of birth: 28.7.1968
Gender: male
Saw San Aung is among the leaders of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Myanmar/Burmese armed group controlling territory in Myanmar/Burma’s Karen State, around Myawaddy on the Myanmar/Burma–Thailand border. The DKBA is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The DKBA has allowed scam centre compounds to operate under its protection and has enabled criminal networks to function within areas under its control. In those scam centre compounds, many victims are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Reports from victims indicate abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment inside those compounds. DKBA soldiers have also been reported to participate in violence against trafficked individuals, including beatings of handcuffed trafficked individuals.
Those who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to intimidation, violence, and other forms of severe mistreatment.
The DKBA supports and protects cyber-scam centres, provides security for compounds such as the Tai Chang compound, enables their continued operation, and actively benefits from the revenues generated by those criminal activities. Therefore, Saw San Aung is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Saw San Aung is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026
150.
Sai Kyaw HLA
a.k.a.
Ko Sai
赛因乔拉 (Chinese)
サイン・チョー・ラ
(Japanese)
(Burmese/Myanmar)
Position(s): Major General and Chairman of the Central Economic Committee of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army
Nationality: Myanmar/Burma
Date of birth: 6.9.1971
POB: Myanmar/Burma
Gender: male
Sai Kyaw Hla is Major General and Chairman of the Central Economic Committee of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Myanmar/Burmese armed group controlling territory in Myanmar/Burma’s Karen State, around Myawaddy on the Myanmar/Burma–Thailand border. The DKBA is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The DKBA has allowed scam centre compounds to operate under its protection and has enabled criminal networks to function within areas under its control. In those scam centre compounds, many victims are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Reports from victims indicate abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment inside those compounds.
DKBA soldiers have also been reported to participate in violence against trafficked individuals, including beatings of handcuffed trafficked individuals. Those who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to intimidation, violence, and other forms of severe mistreatment.
The DKBA supports and protects cyber-scam centres, provides security for compounds such as the Tai Chang compound, enables their continued operation, and actively benefits from the revenues generated by those criminal activities. Therefore, Sai Kyaw Hla is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Sai Kyaw Hla is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026
151.
Saw STEEL
索斯蒂 (Chinese)
ソー・スティー
(Japanese)
(Burmese/Myanmar)
Position(s): Patron of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army’s Central Advisory Council; former Commander-in-chief of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army
Nationality: Myanmar/Burma
Date of birth: 27.3.1961
Gender: male
Saw Steel is the Patron of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army’s (DKBA) Central Advisory Council and former Commander-in-Chief of the DKBA, a Myanmar/Burmese armed group controlling territory in Myanmar/Burma’s Karen State, around Myawaddy on the Myanmar/Burma–Thailand border. The DKBA is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The DKBA has allowed scam centre compounds to operate under its protection and has enabled criminal networks to function within areas under its control. In those scam centre compounds, many victims are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Reports from victims indicate abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment inside those compounds.
DKBA soldiers have also been reported to participate in violence against trafficked individuals, including beatings of handcuffed trafficked individuals. Those who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to intimidation, violence, and other forms of severe mistreatment.
The DKBA supports and protects cyber-scam centres, provides security for compounds such as the Tai Chang compound, enables their continued operation, and actively benefits from the revenues generated by those criminal activities. Therefore, Saw Steel is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Saw Steel is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026
152.
Saw Sein WIN
盛温 (Chinese)
セイン・ウィン
(Japanese)
(Burmese/Myanmar)
Position(s): Adjutant-General of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army
Nationality: Myanmar/Burma
Date of birth: 1956
Gender: male
Saw Sein Win is Adjutant-General of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Myanmar/Burmese armed group controlling territory in Myanmar/Burma’s Karen State, around Myawaddy on the Myanmar/Burma–Thailand border. The DKBA is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The DKBA has allowed scam centre compounds to operate under its protection and has enabled criminal networks to function within areas under its control. In those scam centre compounds, many victims are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Reports from victims indicate abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment inside those compounds.
DKBA soldiers have also been reported to participate in violence against trafficked individuals, including beatings of handcuffed trafficked individuals. Those who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to intimidation, violence, and other forms of severe mistreatment.
The DKBA supports and protects cyber-scam centres, provides security for compounds such as the Tai Chang compound, enables their continued operation, and actively benefits from the revenues generated by those criminal activities. Therefore, Saw Sein Win is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Saw Sein Win is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026
153.
Saw Eh Le HTOO
索依李图 (Chinese)
ソー・イリトゥー
(Japanese)
(Burmese/Myanmar)
Position(s): Colonel in the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and operator of Deeko Park scam centre compound
Nationality: Myanmar/Burma
Gender: male
Saw Eh Le Htoo is a colonel in the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Myanmar/Burmese armed group controlling territory in Myanmar/Burma’s Karen State, around Myawaddy on the Myanmar/Burma–Thailand border. The DKBA is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres. In addition, Saw Eh Le Htoo is reported to be operating the Deeko Park scam centre compound.
The DKBA has allowed scam centre compounds to operate under its protection and has enabled criminal networks to function within areas under its control. In those scam centre compounds, many victims are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Reports from victims indicate abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment inside those compounds.
DKBA soldiers have also been reported to participate in violence against trafficked individuals, including beatings of handcuffed trafficked individuals. Those who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to intimidation, violence, and other forms of severe mistreatment.
The DKBA supports and protects cyber-scam centres, provides security for compounds such as the Tai Chang and Deeko Park compound, enables their continued operation, and actively benefits from the revenues generated by those criminal activities. Therefore, Saw Eh Le Htoo is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. Saw Eh Le Htoo is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026’;
(2)
the following entries are added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies under the heading ‘B. Legal persons, entities and bodies’:
Names (Transliteration into Latin script)
Names
Identifying information
Reasons for listing
Date of listing
‘43.
Democratic Karen Benevolent Army
Address: Myanmar/Burma, primarily in the Kayin (Karen) State and along the Thailand–Myanmar/Burma border
Type of entity: Armed ethnic militia; historically a splinter of the Karen National Union (KNU)
Principal place of business: Kayin (Karen) State, Myanmar/Burma
The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) is a Myanmar/Burmese armed group, controlling territory in Myanmar/Burma’s Karen State, around Myawaddy on the Myanmar/Burma –Thailand border. The DKBA commits and is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The DKBA has allowed those scam centre compounds to operate under its protection and has enabled criminal networks to function within areas under its control. Inside those scam centre compounds, many victims are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world. Additionally, victims working in the scam centre compounds report abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment within those compounds.
Soldiers of the DKBA have been reported to participate in violence against victims of trafficking in human beings trapped inside the compound, such as by beating handcuffed trafficked individuals. Victims who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to violence, intimidation, and other forms of severe mistreatment.
Therefore, the DKBA is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. The DKBA is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
30.7.2026
44.
Prince Holding Group
Type of entity: Conglomerate
The Prince Holding Group is a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate based in Cambodia that builds scam centre compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar/Burma through different front companies. The Prince Holding Group is involved in serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The Prince Holding Group built and operated at least ten scam centre compounds throughout Cambodia that perpetrate cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent schemes. Those scam centre compounds include the Jinbei Compound in Cambodia, the Golden Fortune Science Case and Technology Park (also known as the Jinyun Compound) and Mango Park (also known as Jinhong Park). Inside those scam centre compounds, many victims from different countries are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world.
Additionally, victims working in the scam centre compounds report abuse, forced prostitution, extortion, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention within those compounds. Victims who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to violence, intimidation, and other forms of severe mistreatment. Associates of the Prince Holding Group have been reported to participate in violence against victims of trafficking in human beings trapped inside the compound, with the approval of Prince Holding Group director Chen Zhi. Although the group has been subjected to heavy crackdowns, the group has not been fully dismantled yet and denies the allegations and is committed defend itself in every jurisdiction.
Therefore, the Prince Holding Group is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. The Prince Holding Group is also involved in those serious human rights violations, including by facilitating such acts.
The Jin Bei Group is a conglomerate that builds casinos and scam centre compounds in Cambodia. The Jin Bei Group is involved in serious human rights violations in Cambodia due to its role in facilitating large-scale scam centres.
The Jin Bei Group network has a network of casinos and related companies in Sihanoukville in Cambodia, including Jin Bei 4, a scam centre compound that perpetrates cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent schemes. Inside those scam centre compounds, many victims from different countries are trafficked or lured under false pretences, held against their will, and forced to carry out online scams targeting victims around the world.
Additionally, victims working in the scam centre compounds report abuse, torture, kidnapping, and illegal detention within those compounds. Victims who attempt to escape or refuse to cooperate are subjected to violence, intimidation, and other forms of severe mistreatment. Furthermore, the Jin Bei Group and its related entities are associated with the Prince Holding Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate based in Cambodia that builds scam centre compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar/Burma through different front companies.
Therefore, the Jin Bei Group is responsible for serious human rights violations, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
