Story perspectives

US Treasury Sanctions Cambodian Senator Over $10 B Romance Scam

4/24/2026

Summary

Treasury Sanctions Scam

U.S. Treasury sanctions Cambodian Senator Kok An and 28 associates for operating scam compounds that defraud Americans.
The scheme lured U.S. victims with false friendship or romance promises to invest in digital assets, then stole at least $10 billion in 2024.
OFAC said many compounds operate in casinos where trafficked workers are forced to commit fraud under threat of violence, with coordination from the FBI and DOJ’s Scam Center Strike Force.

Summary

Cambodia Deports Scammers

Cambodian authorities deported 13,039 nationals linked to online scams between 2025 and April 19 2026.
The government set an April deadline to end scams and closed many compounds.
Senate spokesperson Chea Thirth said Senator Kok An has immunity and sent questions to U.S. authorities.
State Department pledged $10 million for tips on a Myanmar scam compound sanctioned last November.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro reported restraining $700 million and Tether freezing $344 million in USDT.

Summary

Cambodia Tightens Fraud

Justice Minister Keut Rith announced a January law to strengthen operations against online fraud and stop scam centers from reopening.
Amnesty International said Cambodian government’s response to the scam industry was “grossly inadequate” and “complicit.”
Thailand issued an arrest warrant for businessman Kok An, raided his Thai properties and alleged money-laundering and ties to a criminal organization.
Trafficked scam workers face passport seizure, debt bondage, daily quotas and physical punishment.

History

Historical Context

In 2019 the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Russian ransomware group Evil Corp, after the FBI accused members of stealing over $100 million, establishing a financial-pressure playbook. That model underlies the 2024 sanctions on Cambodian senator Kok An and his fraud network, which officials warn could otherwise generate billions in losses.

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Treasury Sanctions Scam

U.S. Treasury sanctions Cambodian Senator Kok An and 28 associates for operating scam compounds that defraud Americans.
The scheme lured U.S. victims with false friendship or romance promises to invest in digital assets, then stole at least $10 billion in 2024.
OFAC said many compounds operate in casinos where trafficked workers are forced to commit fraud under threat of violence, with coordination from the FBI and DOJ’s Scam Center Strike Force.

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