Int’l law enforcement sanctions Southeast Asian individuals, companies involved in cyberscams

In a significant move against the growing menace of online scam operations in Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom has penalized individuals and companies involved in fraud compounds in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

In an attempt to counter the alarming trend of criminal networks exploiting victims, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have come together to make this historic decision—the first of its kind in history. These victims are forced into online scams under fear of abuse and torture. They are sometimes seduced with promises of well-paying jobs.

Nine individuals and five companies in the three aforementioned countries that have a clear link to forced labor schemes and online fraud farms are specifically targeted by the UK penalties. These measures include preventing British people and organizations from doing business with the designated firms and imposing travel restrictions on those visiting the United Kingdom.

One of the primary targets of these penalties is the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos, home of the well-known Kings Romans Casino. Notable members of this enclave, including Chinese nationals Zhao Wei and Su Guiqin, who are connected to the Kings Romans Group, are among those who have been sanctioned. Additionally wanted are Australian Abbas Eberahim and Thai national Nat Rungtawankhiri, who are both connected to the Kings Romans Casino.

A number of companies in Cambodia, including the ZhengHeng Group, which is in charge of the Long Bay complex, the Heng He Casino in Bavet, and the KB Hotel in Sihanoukville, have been sanctioned in relation to scam complexes. Sanctions are also imposed on those involved in people trafficking schemes, including Chinese national Dong Lecheng and Cambodian Hum Sovanny.

The choice was made in response to a 2021 Nikkei Asia investigation that revealed the pervasive human trafficking that occurs in Cambodia between fraud complexes and their victims. The United Kingdom’s sanctions are meant to put a dent in these criminal networks’ operations and emphasize the international community’s resolve to eradicate forced labor schemes and modern slavery in the region.

Interpol has organized “Operation Storm Makers II,” a multi-national operation involving law enforcement agencies from more than a dozen countries, as worldwide activities intensify. 281 persons were detained for offenses including human trafficking, passport forgery, corruption, telecommunications fraud, and sexual exploitation as a consequence of this operation, which targeted hotspots for human trafficking. About 150 human trafficking victims were freed, and 800 more were suspected of being trafficked.

Although these regulations represent a significant step in the fight against the spread of cyberfraud, they also serve as a reminder of the ongoing issues with fighting international crime and the need for international cooperation to protect the weak.

Original story by: Nikkei Asia