The United States has sanctioned a Cambodian lawmaker and business person over human trafficking. He's allegedly connected to a scheme where people were forced to work in online scam centers and subject to abuse.

The US Treasury Department announced on Thursday that it had sanctioned ruling party senator Ly Yong Phat. His company, L.Y.P. Group, operates resort hotels.

The US says that from 2022 to 2024, his hotel listed false employment opportunities to lure victims. Applicants had their passports taken and were forced to carry out scams. Those who called for help reported being beaten and given electric shocks.
Victims were apparently forced to work 15 hours a day, and some were subject to sex trafficking.

The US move is based on the Magnitsky Act, which imposes sanctions on individuals involved in human rights violations. It bans them from doing business with Americans.

Meanwhile, Cambodia's foreign ministry expressed deep regret over the decision. It says such unilateral sanctions undermine respect for international law and basic norms for interstate relations.

In recent years, Cambodia has become a base for online fraud. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights estimates that as many as 100,000 people in the country have been forced to take part in scam centers.