US Sanctions Cambodian Senator Over Crypto Pig Butchering Scam Operations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed sanctions on Cambodian Senator Kok An and 28 associated individuals accused of operating large scale scam centers across Cambodia. According to the United States Department of the Treasury, these centers were based in casinos and office complexes and were responsible for conducting “pig butchering” scams that have drained billions of dollars from victims, particularly in the United States.

Pig butchering scams involve criminals building long term relationships with victims through friendship, romance, or business promises before persuading them to transfer funds to fraudulent investment platforms. Authorities estimate that Americans lost at least $10 billion in a single year to scam networks operating across Southeast Asia, highlighting the growing global threat of crypto related fraud.

DOJ Crackdown Expands With Domain Seizures and Sentencing

The United States Department of Justice also reported the seizure of a social media platform tied to human trafficking and 503 fraudulent web domains linked to cryptocurrency scams. Investigations are being coordinated through the Scam Center Strike Force, which focuses on networks in Cambodia, Burma, and Laos.

Earlier in February 2026, a federal court sentenced Daren Li to 20 years in prison for orchestrating fraudulent trading platforms that stole approximately $73 million from victims. Officials said these actions reflect ongoing efforts to disrupt international scam operations and protect consumers from financial exploitation.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.