PHNOM PENH: Cambodia on Friday condemned what it described as “unjust” US sanctions imposed on a tycoon and former advisor to ex-leader Hun Sen over alleged involvement in human trafficking related to online scam centers.
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced the sanctions on Thursday against Ly Yong Phat, a Cambodian senator and prominent businessman with close ties to Hun Sen.
The sanctions also target several of Ly Yong Phat’s business entities, accused of serious human rights abuses, including forced labor in online investment scam operations.
The Treasury’s acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence stated that the sanctions aimed to “hold accountable those involved in human trafficking” and “disrupt their ability to operate investment fraud schemes” that deceive numerous individuals, including Americans.
The statement detailed that victims were forced to work up to 15 hours a day and were sometimes re-sold to other scam operations or subjected to sex trafficking.
Ly Yong Phat, who was appointed as a personal advisor to Hun Sen in 2022, had his role as a close ally of the former leader, who stepped down last year in favor of his son, Hun Manet. Hun Sen continues to wield significant influence as the president of the Senate, a key ceremonial role.
Cambodia’s foreign ministry expressed “deep regret” over the sanctions, denouncing them as politically motivated and contrary to the spirit of bilateral cooperation and mutual trust. The ministry criticized the sanctions as based on “unconfirmed reports” and harmful to their diplomatic relationship.
Human rights activists have long accused Ly Yong Phat’s businesses of human rights abuses and environmental destruction.
The UN warned last year that criminal gangs in Southeast Asia are coercing hundreds of thousands into online scams, often under the threat of torture.
