On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Khmer Times reported that the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), a Cambodian government agency, dismantled a cryptocurrency money-laundering network allegedly used to move more than $250 million out of the country.
According to the ACU, the scheme was run by Zhang Jian Qiang, a Chinese national also known as Cai You Yuan and nicknamed “Trongol.” Investigators identified him as the ringleader of an online scam operation based in Prek Khsach commune, in Koh Kong province. Zhang allegedly controlled more than 10 accounts on the TokenPocket platform, which he used to move proceeds from the fraud.
The ACU said Lay Sokong, 25, who owns the Sokong 148 exchange business in Phnom Penh, converted Zhang’s digital currency into cash. The agency described Sokong as an unauthorised virtual-asset provider. ACU spokesman Soy Chanvichet said Sokong then used legitimate bank accounts to send money to people tied to the operation, including immigration officers and local officials.
Investigators said criminal groups typically turn scam proceeds into cryptocurrency, send it to overseas wallets, and later exchange it for US dollars, Chinese yuan and Cambodian riel. The ACU said the case shows how syndicates exploit virtual assets, artificial intelligence and informal financial channels to hide illicit funds and evade law enforcement.
Roughly 90 percent of the fraud proceeds were sent abroad almost immediately, the ACU found, with the total passing $250 million by July 9. Only tens of thousands of dollars stayed in Cambodia.
Authorities have arrested five suspects. They include Prek Khsach commune chief Ream Rum, former police official Chin Sophoan, immigration officer Phe Phatpheng, and Sokong. The suspects face charges including corruption, technology-based fraud, and money laundering. Zhang and several Chinese associates remain at large.
Source: Khmer Times
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