U.S. sanctions Cambodian Senator Kok an over crypto scam centers

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control on Thursday added Cambodian senator Kok An to U.S. sanctions lists and designated 28 individuals and entities tied to a network accused of running scam compounds that targeted U.S. residents. The action followed law enforcement raids on two centers in Poipet, a border city with Thailand, and the seizure of more than 500 web domains linked to alleged fraud.

According to OFAC, the network convinced U.S. victims to transfer cryptocurrency to websites presented as legitimate investment platforms promising high returns, then stole the funds. Many victims were groomed through friendships or romantic relationships and cumulatively lost millions of dollars, the agency said.

OFAC described Kok An as controlling scam compounds throughout the country. The agency noted that some people who carry out the scams are themselves victims of human trafficking and are forced to commit unlawful acts under threat of violence.

Investigators reported the operations are centered in casinos and in office parks that have been retrofitted for fraudulent activity. OFAC stated those locations are used to launder victims' funds and provide bases to target U.S. citizens and to commit human rights abuses. The agency reported seizing over 500 domains tied to fake trading platforms and recruitment pages used to persuade victims to transfer cryptocurrency.

Officials have identified other individuals believed to be linked to the network, including Chinese nationals Xu Aimin and Chen Zhi. Cambodian police previously accused Kok An of operating scam centers in Poipet. The Treasury action follows earlier U.S. enforcement targeting cybercriminal networks across Southeast Asia that included multiple targets in Cambodia.

The sanctions designation blocks access to assets and U.S. financial channels subject to U.S. jurisdiction for Kok An and the named affiliates. Authorities cited both the financial losses suffered by U.S. victims and the human rights concerns tied to the alleged scam centers.