The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned several hotels in Cambodia: O-Smach Resort and its owner, businessman Ly Yong Phat.
OFAC stated that victims had been lured to the hotel with false employment opportunities and had their phones and passports confiscated upon arrival. They were forced to work in scam operations and were beaten and abused with electric shocks. People who tried to call for help paid a hefty ransom to be released. Among the victims were people from various countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
OFAC has also designated the Garden City Hotel, Koh Kong Resort, and Phnom Penh Hotel as being owned or controlled by Ly Yong Phat.
