What did OFAC do in the Cambodian crypto scam case?

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Cambodian senator Kok An and 28 others for allegedly operating large-scale crypto scam centres. These sanctions aim to freeze assets and restrict access to the global financial system. The move is part of a broader crackdown on organised crypto fraud.

What are “pig butchering” scams in crypto?

Pig butchering scams involve building long-term trust with victims through fake relationships or business opportunities before convincing them to send money to fraudulent crypto platforms. Victims are often manipulated over weeks or months. These scams are highly sophisticated and emotionally driven.

How big is the crypto scam problem in Southeast Asia?

The US Treasury estimates Americans alone lost at least $10 billion in one year to scams originating from Southeast Asia. The region, particularly Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, has become a major hub for organised crypto fraud. These operations often involve large networks and cross-border activity.

How were these scam centres allegedly operated?

Authorities say the scam centres were run out of casinos and office parks across Cambodia. These locations were used to house operations and facilitate money laundering. Some centres reportedly involved trafficked individuals forced to carry out scams.

What actions did US authorities take beyond sanctions?

The US Department of Justice announced the seizure of a social media platform linked to human trafficking and 503 fraudulent domains used in crypto scams. These actions aim to disrupt the infrastructure behind scam networks. It shows a coordinated enforcement effort.

What is the Scam Center Strike Force?

The Scam Center Strike Force is a multi-agency initiative targeting major scam operations in Southeast Asia. It focuses on investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting large-scale fraud networks. This reflects growing international cooperation against crypto crime.

How much money are crypto scams and hacks costing users in 2026?

Crypto scams and hacks resulted in at least $482 million in losses in Q1 2026 alone. This highlights ongoing risks for users despite increased enforcement. Fraud remains one of the biggest threats in the crypto ecosystem.

What is an example of enforcement against pig butchering scams?

In February 2026, Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for running pig butchering scams that stole $73 million from victims. His group created fake crypto platforms and used social media to attract targets. This case shows the legal consequences of such operations.

OFAC hits Kok An pig butchering network

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished Apr. 24 2026Last Updated Apr. 24 2026

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned Cambodian senator Kok An and 28 others over alleged involvement in crypto-linked scam centres operating across Cambodia.

The US Treasury said the network ran “pig butchering” scams that defrauded victims of billions of dollars, often using long-term social engineering tactics to extract funds through fake crypto investment platforms.

“The Scam Center Strike Force has directed agents and attorneys from US law enforcement agencies to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute the most egregious scam centres and their leaders, with a focus on Burma, Cambodia and Laos,”

The Treasury said.

Authorities said the scam operations were based in casinos and office parks, where trafficking victims were allegedly forced to conduct fraudulent outreach targeting individuals worldwide.

The crackdown was coordinated with the Scam Center Strike Force, which also seized a social media platform and more than 500 fraudulent domains tied to crypto scams.

US officials estimate Americans lost at least $10 billion in a single year to scam networks in Southeast Asia, highlighting the scale and persistence of the threat across the region.

Separately, the US Department of Justice recently secured a 20-year prison sentence for Daren Li over similar schemes that defrauded victims of $73 million using fake crypto trading platforms.