The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned a Cambodian senator as well as 28 individuals and entities in his network for defrauding American citizens via multiple scam compounds he is alleged to control from casinos and other buildings he owns across the country.
Kok An, described as a Cambodian senator and businessman who owns numerous properties that house scam centers, counts Crown Resorts – no relation to the Australian company of the same name – as his flagship “hospitality” firm. The Cambodian Crown Resorts owns casinos, resorts and other buildings in Poipet, Sihanoukville, Bavet and other Cambodian cities that have been converted into compounds from which criminal organizations conduct digital asset investment fraud and other scams, Treasury said.
It added that victims of human trafficking taken to these facilities have reported exploitation of themselves and thousands of others by being forced to conduct scam activities using the lure of romantic relationships or investment opportunities that promise high returns.
Kok An and his affiliates’ network of scam centers, operating out of casinos and office parks retrofitted for fraudulent activity, launder victims’ funds and provide a base to target US citizens and commit human rights abuses with impunity,” Treasury said.
It explained that Kok An, as the owner of these properties through Crown Resorts, collects rental income from its occupants and provides services and employees to the compounds, including uniformed security guards through another of his businesses, Anco Brothers Co Ltd. Anco Brothers also holds the license for the casinos operating on the properties.
Treasury noted that nearly all major scam compounds in Cambodia are connected to casinos, which serve to launder the proceeds of scams.
“Treasury will continue to target fraudsters and scam centers that steal billions of dollars from hardworking Americans, no matter where they operate or how well-connected they are,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in a statement.
Also on the radar is Rithy Raksmei, the head of casino operator K99 Group which owns several properties in Cambodia where trafficking victims are forced to scam Americans and others.
Treasury, which is also designating multiple individuals, companies and banks linked to Rithy, said reports from individuals held at K99 Group facilities and victims of scams indicate that criminal organizations operate digital asset investment fraud schemes from those locations, with the scams involving trafficking victims and perpetrators posing as potential romantic interests and convincing targets to send funds to fake digital asset trading platforms.
Rithy is said to have used his political connections to expand his business holdings, build more casinos and avoid legal consequences for his provision of space to criminals for scams and human trafficking.
The sanctions against Kok An and others is being taken by Treasury in coordination with the Scam Center Strike Force, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS).
Treasury said that, as a result of its action, all property and interests in property belonging to the designated individuals and entities that are located in the United States or held by US persons must be frozen and reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
It added that any entities owned 50% or more, whether directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked persons are also subject to the same restrictions. According to the Treasury, unless authorised or exempted by OFAC, US persons – and those operating within or through the United States – are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving the property or interests of these blocked parties.
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