U.S. Sanctions Cambodia’s Prince Group Over Online Scam Operations

PHNOM PENH, Oct 17 – The United States has imposed sanctions on Cambodia’s Prince Group, accusing the conglomerate of operating extensive online scam networks linked to “pig-butchering” investment fraud schemes.

The U.S. Treasury designated Prince Group as a transnational criminal organisation, freezing its assets under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting American entities from engaging in transactions with its affiliates. More than 100 individuals and entities connected to the group were named in the action.

According to U.S. authorities, the organisation allegedly laundered proceeds from online scams through real estate, banking, and entertainment ventures across Southeast Asia.

Prince Group has denied the allegations, stating that it “conducts legitimate business operations in compliance with Cambodian law.” Cambodian officials have yet to issue a formal response.

The sanctions mark a significant escalation in international efforts to curb cyber-fraud activities in the Mekong region and could have broad implications for Cambodia’s investment reputation, which has faced growing scrutiny over financial transparency and governance standards.