The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced stringent sanctions against Kok An, a Cambodian senator, and a network of 29 nominees after uncovering evidence that they were behind a major scammer network using the tactic "love bombing then investment fraud," which swindled more than $10 billion from American citizens.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), part of the U.S. Treasury, blacklisted Kok An, a Cambodian senator and influential businessman, along with 29 individuals and entities in the network, for masterminding and supporting a call center scam gang that caused enormous harm to American citizens.
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary under the Trump administration, stated, "Eliminating fraud is a top priority for this government. The Treasury will continue to take action against criminals and scam centers stealing money from hardworking Americans, regardless of where they operate or how strong their political connections are."
U.S. government data indicates that in 2024, Americans lost at least $10 billion—over 300 billion baht—to scams in the region, a 66% increase from the previous year. One of the most common methods identified was fraudulent crypto investment schemes.
Reports reveal that Kok An's network used buildings within casinos and office complexes in Poipet, Sihanoukville, and Bavet as operational bases. Scammers created fake profiles to build close or romantic relationships, known as "romance scams," to lure victims into transferring savings to invest in nonexistent digital assets.
Additionally, U.S. authorities found cruelty within these scam camps, noting that most workers were victims of human trafficking, deceived into labor, had their passports confiscated, and were forced to commit crimes under violent threats. Those who failed to meet targets faced physical abuse or coerced prostitution.
Kok An used affiliated companies such as Crown Resorts and Anco Brothers Co Ltd to own properties and casinos leased to scammers, controlling the areas with their own security systems. Key accomplices include Rithy Raksmei, owner of K99 Group, and Burmese investors granted Cambodian citizenship, Aik Paung and Sai Aung Linn, who manage both casinos and Heng Feng Cambodia Bank used for money laundering.
Regarding operations linked to the U.S., the Department of Justice discovered a conspiracy group in America receiving money transfers from victims before forwarding funds to Cambodia. Reports indicate Luo Hong, a construction company owner in Cambodia, received more than $1.3 million directly from this group.
This operation was a coordinated effort among top agencies, including the FBI, intelligence services, and the Department of Justice. The U.S. State Department offered rewards up to $10 million for information leading to the seizure of scam centers in Myanmar, and $4 million for the capture of fugitive money launderer Daren Li. Authorities also seized 503 fake crypto investment websites and messaging apps used to recruit human trafficking victims.
Following the blacklisting, all assets of Kok An and his network within the U.S. or held by U.S. persons will be immediately frozen. American individuals are prohibited from conducting any transactions with those on the list. Violators face severe civil and criminal penalties.
This move marks a significant step by the U.S. government to pressure Southeast Asian governments—particularly Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos—to urgently address the rising global threat of cybercrime.