Summary
In a massive coordinated interagency effort, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Department of State announced sweeping actions against transnational criminal organizations operating cryptocurrency scam centers in Southeast Asia.
DOJ Actions: The Scam Center Strike Force charged two Chinese nationals for managing the Shunda scam compound in Burma; seized a Telegram channel used to recruit trafficking victims; took down 503 fake cryptocurrency investment websites; and restrained over $700 million in cryptocurrency tied to scam money laundering. Restraining refers to a court-ordered block that prevents criminals from transferring the crypto, preserving the funds so they can ultimately be seized and potentially returned to victims.
OFAC Sanctions: OFAC designated Cambodian Senator Kok An, his business empire, and 28 other individuals and entities — including casinos, front companies, and a Cambodian bank — for their roles in housing and facilitating human trafficking and cyber-enabled fraud.
State Department Rewards: A reward of up to $10 million was announced for information leading to the seizure of proceeds related to the Tai Chang scam center in Burma.
