All articles tagged with #forced labor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order against tires made by Linglong International Europe in Serbia due to evidence of forced labor, detaining shipments at U.S. ports to prevent exploitation and ensure fair competition.
The article exposes the extensive and complex scam industry in Southeast Asia, where trafficked and willing workers operate in large compounds, often under protection of local elites, to carry out online scams targeting victims worldwide, resulting in billions of dollars lost and ongoing efforts to dismantle these operations.
Scam centers across Southeast Asia, often housed in large complexes and originating from casino operations, continue to operate despite government crackdowns, with victims from over 56 countries being exploited through online scams, forced labor, and fraud schemes, leading to billions in losses and ongoing efforts to dismantle these criminal networks.
The U.S. has seized over $14 billion in bitcoin and charged Chen Zhi, founder of Cambodian conglomerate Prince Holding Group, with orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency scam involving forced labor, violence, and money laundering, highlighting the scale of Southeast Asia's scam economy and international efforts to combat it.
Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Group, has been indicted in Brooklyn for operating forced labor compounds in Cambodia involved in cryptocurrency fraud schemes that stole billions globally, with the US seizing approximately $15 billion in cryptocurrency linked to the crimes, marking the largest forfeiture in Department of Justice history.
Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Group, has been indicted for operating forced-labor scam compounds in Cambodia involved in cryptocurrency fraud schemes, including 'pig butchering' scams that stole billions globally. The U.S. government has also seized approximately 127,271 bitcoin, worth around $15 billion, in connection with these schemes, marking the largest forfeiture in Department of Justice history. The case highlights extensive transnational criminal activity involving human trafficking, cyber fraud, and money laundering.
US Customs has banned the import of bicycles and parts from Giant Bicycles in Taiwan due to findings of forced labor, citing abuse, debt bondage, and excessive overtime. Giant has committed to improving labor practices and plans to contest the order, while US authorities emphasize the importance of supply chain due diligence.
The Trump administration has announced it will seize Giant brand bicycles manufactured in Taiwan due to evidence of forced labor, citing abusive working conditions and debt bondage, as part of its broader crackdown on imports produced with forced labor practices.
US Customs has detained Giant bikes and parts from Taiwan over forced-labor allegations, issuing a Withhold Release Order that affects products exported to the US, while Giant works to address the issues and seek revocation of the order.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order against Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. from Taiwan, due to evidence of forced labor practices in their bicycle and parts manufacturing, marking the third such order in 2025, as part of efforts to combat forced labor in supply chains.
The US has imposed sanctions on cyber scam centers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and Cambodia, which are involved in large-scale online fraud and forced labor, causing over $10 billion in losses to Americans last year and raising concerns over human rights abuses and modern slavery.
A religious leader in Durham, David Taylor, was arrested in connection with a $50 million human trafficking and forced labor scheme involving call centers, psychological abuse, and the purchase of luxury items, with victims subjected to harsh punishments and forced to work long hours without pay. The FBI raid also targeted Michelle Brannon, and both face potential sentences of 20 to 60 years if convicted.
Two religious leaders, David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, were federally charged with running a forced labor and money laundering scheme through their organization, Kingdom of God Global Church, involving coercion, abuse, and the solicitation of tens of millions of dollars in donations, with victims subjected to physical and psychological abuse. They face serious charges including forced labor and money laundering, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Leaders of the wellness company OneTaste, Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, were convicted of federal forced labor charges for coercing employees into demeaning tasks and sexual acts under the guise of promoting women's sexual empowerment, with allegations of abuse, intimidation, and unpaid labor. The case highlights the abuse of vulnerable individuals under the pretense of wellness practices.
Leaders of the US wellness company OneTaste, Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, were convicted of federal forced labor charges for allegedly grooming followers, many of whom were sexual trauma victims, into performing non-consensual sexual acts and exploiting them financially. The trial revealed a scheme of abuse, intimidation, and manipulation, with the defendants claiming innocence and planning to appeal.