Behind the Crypto: When Political Ties Meet Shadowy Deals

The Trump-Linked Venture and Its Troubling Partnership

A new cryptocurrency project, World Liberty Financial, has sparked controversy after aligning itself with a company accused of some of the most severe crimes in Southeast Asia. The project, founded in part by members of the Trump family, chose to collaborate with AB, a firm operating a crypto-focused resort in Timor-Leste.

But AB’s network is far from a legitimate business—it’s deeply connected to a global scandal involving human trafficking, forced labor, and multi-billion-dollar crypto fraud in Cambodia.

A Web of Alleged Criminality

The U.S. government has already flagged Prince Group, AB’s suspected partner, as a criminal enterprise. Investigations reveal that Prince Group ran "pig-butchering" scams—a brutal crypto fraud tactic where victims are deceived into fake investments—while also employing violence to control workers.

Despite these grave allegations, World Liberty Financial not only partnered with AB but integrated its system into their own platform. This gave AB a dangerous veneer of legitimacy, a critical asset in the crypto world where trust and credibility are everything.

Timor-Leste: A Haven for Risky Ventures

Timor-Leste’s weak financial regulations make it a prime target for illicit operations. AB has openly boasted about constructing a "national blockchain resort" with government backing, presenting it as a state-sanctioned project.

This isn’t a minor deal—it’s a high-profile, flashy venture designed to attract investors. Meanwhile, Yang Jian, a key figure in AB, holds millions in Singapore real estate, suggesting this operation is far from amateur.

Profit Overdue Diligence?

World Liberty Financial’s own terms state they can block illegal activity—yet they forged ahead with AB. Even more alarming? 75% of the project’s profits are set to go to its founders, including the Trump family.

The question lingers: Did they truly investigate AB’s background, or were profits too tempting to ignore?

A Pattern of Dangerous Alliances

This isn’t just another crypto misstep—it’s a stark reminder of how power and money can overshadow serious risks. A project tied to high-profile names has now partnered with a network linked to some of the worst crimes in the region.

And as the fallout continues, one question remains unanswered: How much did they really know?