The United States has imposed sanctions on five individuals and three entities based in Burma and Thailand for their roles in operating forced labor compounds involved in online investment scams targeting Americans.
A U.S. government estimate found that Americans lost at least $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based online scam operations in 2024, representing a 66 percent increase compared to the previous year. Criminal groups across the region have used these schemes to exploit Americans, impacting U.S. economic security.
This move aligns with an announcement from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service regarding the formation of the Scam Center Strike Force. The initiative is dedicated to investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting scam centers and their leaders, particularly focusing on operations in Burma, Cambodia, and Laos.
"The United States will continue to use all available tools to protect Americans from scams operating across the region and around the world," according to today's statement.
The sanctions are being enacted under Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended, and E.O 14014. Further details about this action can be found in a press release issued by the Department of the Treasury.
