US Sanctions Cambodian Senator Over Links to Crypto Romance Scams

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Cambodian senator Kok An on April 23, stating that he operated scam centers involved in crypto-romance fraud targeting U.S. citizens. The sanctions also applied to 28 individuals and entities connected to these operations.

The Treasury reported that these centers stole millions of dollars from victims. Kok An, 71, is described as a political ally of Hun Sen, who served as Cambodia's prime minister for 25 years until 2023 and now holds the position of president of the Cambodian Senate.

Hun Sen handed power to his son, Hun Manet, in 2023. Kok An is a senator from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

The Treasury stated that fraudsters in these centers use promises of friendship or romantic relationships to persuade victims to transfer savings as digital assets, under the guise of investment opportunities with high returns. These operations are based in scam centers in Cambodia and Myanmar, often involving trafficked workers from China and other countries.

The centers are reportedly connected to casinos used to launder proceeds. Matthew Hogan, a detective with the Connecticut State Police and an officer on the Secret Service’s Financial Crimes Task Forces, stated last year that a significant increase has occurred in long-term scams known as “pig butchering,” which involve luring people into fake cryptocurrency investments.

Treasury Statement and Broader Context U.S.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that eliminating fraud is a top priority for the Trump administration and that the Treasury will continue targeting fraudsters and scam centers stealing from Americans.