The United States has imposed sanctions on Cambodian tycoon and senator Ly Yong Phat and his businesses for their involvement in severe human rights abuses, including forced labor and human trafficking linked to online investment scams. The U.S. Treasury's action blocks Ly Yong Phat's assets in the U.S. and prohibits American entities from doing business with him. The sanctions aim to disrupt the criminal networks running these scams, which often lure victims with fraudulent job offers and subject them to harsh conditions. Cambodia's foreign ministry condemned the sanctions as unjust and politically motivated, warning that they could harm bilateral relations. This move underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing cybercrime and human rights abuses in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia. The sanctions were enforced under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, signaling a strong stance against such illicit activities.