US Sanctions Cambodian Senator and 28 Individuals in Crypto-Romance Scam Crackdown

The US Treasury Department has announced the imposition of sanctions on Kok An, a wealthy Cambodian senator and ally of Senate President Hun Sen, and 28 individuals and entities accused of running crypto-romance scams.

The scam network allegedly stole millions of dollars from US citizens by using the lure of friendship or romantic relationships to persuade them into transferring their savings in digital assets. The funds were then stolen outright, with some victims forced to steal money under threat of violence.

Treasury said that Kok An used his political connections to protect a network of scam centers and operators, who ran their operations from various compounds and properties owned by him, including Crown Resorts.