US launches sweeping crackdown on Southeast Asia cyberscams

U.S. officials have announced a major crackdown on Southeast Asian cyberscam operations controlled by Chinese transnational organized crime.

The effort led by a U.S. government Scam Center Strike Force includes sanctions and criminal charges against individuals and companies in Cambodia and Myanmar.

The Treasury Department has sanctioned prominent Cambodian Sen. Kok An for his alleged role in defrauding U.S. citizens.

The crackdown also involves seizing assets and shutting down online recruitment channels.

Cybercrime has flourished in Southeast Asia with operations linked to human trafficking and massive financial losses worldwide.

The FBI says Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cyber-enabled crimes in 2025.