The U.S. government has introduced a comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling foreign-run scam networks, with the “Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act.” The policy, overseen by an interagency task force, underscores Washington’s commitment to combating overseas criminal organizations—primarily in Southeast Asia—that run human trafficking compounds used for large-scale online scams targeting American citizens.
The strategy mandates the Task Force to develop coordinated U.S. government actions with objectives that include shuttering scam centers, curbing their expansion, disrupting the criminal and trafficking syndicates behind them, and imposing consequences on complicit officials and facilitators both at the state and non-state levels. The intention is, in part, to incentivize international cooperation.
Five-Pillar Approach
In line with Section 5 of the Act, the Task Force’s plan hinges on five central pillars: targeted diplomatic and financial pressure, investigations into state-level involvement, capacity-building for partner law enforcement agencies, direct sanctions and offensive operations, and coalition creation with both international and domestic partners.
Among its tactics, the strategy calls for pressuring governments deemed tolerant of or involved in scam activity. Working with U.S. allies, the approach advocates for countries with state-sponsored scam operations—such as Cambodia—to be considered for “greylisting or blacklisting” at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Additionally, the plan mandates formal inquiries into the role certain states allegedly play in perpetuating these networks. This includes examining China’s involvement and potential links between Chinese Communist Party officials and criminal enterprises, and investigating Myanmar’s military leadership regarding both their tolerance of and benefit from scam operations within the country.
Enhancing Enforcement and Humanitarian Support
On the enforcement front, the U.S. will work to develop the capabilities of trusted foreign law enforcement partners, focusing on digital forensics, anti-money laundering, and border control. There is an emphasis on supporting the identification and protection of trafficking victims, and on implementing public education campaigns to prevent recruitment into scam operations.
The strategy also features the use of sanctions against key perpetrators and the deployment of offensive cyber operations designed to cripple the digital infrastructure supporting scam centers. Collaboration is a critical component, with the U.S. seeking to form coalitions with like-minded nations, share intelligence, and pursue legal action against significant actors.
Domestically, the approach integrates federal, state, and local data for more cohesive prevention and enforcement.
Asset Recovery and Accountability Measures
Two foundational goals underpin the strategy: reducing the reach of transnational crime syndicates and recovering assets stolen from defrauded U.S. victims.
Sanctions List Features High-Profile Figures
Separate reporting has linked Benjamin Maurerberger—also known as Ben Smith—to these legislative efforts. According to independent journalist Tom Wright, evidence has surfaced, including a U.S. legislative proposal naming Maurerberger among individuals subject to potential sanctions for involvement in online scam schemes targeting Americans.
The draft bill, submitted by Representative Jefferson Shreve of Indiana’s 6th congressional district, details plans for a joint task force dedicated to combating transnational online fraud. Notably, Section 7 of the Act calls for the application of sanctions within 180 days of its enactment.
Within the list of 36 sanctioned individuals and entities are prominent names reported in the media, among them Maurerberger; Yim Leak, chairman of BIC Group; Hun To, a relative of Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen; Kok An, a Cambodian senator sought by Thai authorities for alleged connections to online gambling; the Cambodian financial conglomerate Huione Group, linked to Hun To; and Prince Group, a multinational Cambodian firm.
These developments highlight the U.S. government’s intensifying focus on targeting foreign scam networks, particularly those operating in Southeast Asia, in a sweeping effort to shield Americans from transnational online fraud.
