U.S. Sanctions Cambodian Senator Kok An Over Alleged Scam-Compound Network
Summary
The U.S. sanctioned Cambodian senator Kok An and 28 associates over alleged scam-center operations tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud, trafficking and money laundering. A DOJ-led task force also seized 503 domains and announced related charges and victim-noticeeff
Key points
- The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Kok An and 28 associates, accusing their network of operating scam centers that stole millions from U.S. victims and enabled trafficking and money laundering.
- U.S. officials said compounds in casinos and office parks were used for digital-asset investment fraud; trafficking victims reportedly were forced to scam people and faced abuse.
- The DOJ-led Scam Center Strike Force announced the seizure of 503 web domains used to legitimize fake cryptocurrency investment companies.
- The Justice Department charged Huang Xingshan and Jiang Wen Jie with wire fraud over alleged operations at Myanmar’s Shunda compound; the article says they were arrested in Thailand in January.
- Investigators traced at least $1.3 million to accounts belonging to Luo Hong. In a plea agreement, Daren Li said $73.6 million in victim funds had passed through accounts his team controlled.
- As of March 2026, the FBI and other agencies said they had notified 8,935 victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud since efforts began in January 2024.
Article Details
- Event Type
- U.S. sanctions and coordinated law-enforcement actions targeting an alleged Cambodian scam-center network.
- Impact
- U.S. officials said the network stole millions of dollars from American victims through investment scams and laundered proceeds. Scam compounds also reportedly involved human trafficking, forced labor, and abuse. Authorities seized assets, took down 503 domains identified in connection with victim losses, charged alleged operators, and announced reward offers.
Threat Actors
Daren LiHe pleaded guilty and said in a plea agreement that $73.6 million in victim funds passed through bank accounts controlled by his team before being sent elsewhere. The article says he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.Huang XingshanThe Justice Department charged him with wire fraud on accusations that he ran cryptocurrency investment fraud operations at the Shunda compound in Myanmar.Jiang Wen JieThe Justice Department charged him with wire fraud on accusations that he ran cryptocurrency investment fraud operations at the Shunda compound in Myanmar.Kok AnU.S. officials sanctioned him for his alleged involvement in and protection of a network of scam centers that targeted U.S. victims, laundered funds, and operated from compounds where trafficking victims were reportedly exploited.Luo HongInvestigators found that he facilitated transfers of scam funds from U.S. bank accounts to accounts abroad; at least $1.3 million was traced to accounts belonging to him.
Countries
Cambodiasanctions come after Thailand issued an arrest warrant for Kok An last July and raided dozens of his properties in towns along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.Laosagencies have repeatedly targeted Cambodian leaders for their role in the scam center economy, which has generated about $44 billion for Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.Myanmaragencies have repeatedly targeted Cambodian leaders for their role in the scam center economy, which has generated about $44 billion for Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.Thailandsanctions come after Thailand issued an arrest warrant for Kok An last July and raided dozens of his properties in towns along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.United StatesU.S. officials sanctioned Cambodian senator Kok An and 28 associates for running scam compounds that stole millions from American victims and enabled human trafficking and money laundering.