Cambodia unveils Senate building backed by tycoon sanctioned over alleged scam‑centre links

Phnom Penh, August 21 — Cambodia's top leaders gathered today to unveil the newly constructed Senate building, dubbed the "Solidarity Palace," with funds provided by prominent Cambodian businessmen, including a man sanctioned by the United States for ties to alleged scam centres. King Norodom Sihamoni cut the ribbon, flanked by senior officials including Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, who currently serves as President of the Senate.

Sihamoni expressed satisfaction, calling it a "nation-building" achievement. The four-and-a-half-storey building, designed, built and funded by Cambodians, will primarily host overseas visitors. Though the exact cost remains undisclosed, a sign inside lists 11 donors, with the top being senator and businessman Ly Yong Phat. US authorities sanctioned Ly Yong Phat in 2024, alleging "serious human rights abuses" related to trafficking people into online scam operations.

He denies these claims, stating they are "fake and damaging to his reputation." Cambodia is known for being a hub for the transnational scam industry, where scammers — some willing participants and others trafficked — steal billions each year using fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency schemes. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to curb these crimes.

The new building's donors also include businessman Hun To, a cousin of Prime Minister Manet. In May, Hun To revealed he once held a 30-per cent stake in Huione Pay, a digital payments platform linked to scam operations, which has since been shut down and sanctioned by the US. Hun To claimed he never profited from the platform and had no assets tied to it.

The US accused Huione Group, which owned the platform and other companies, of laundering funds for transnational criminal groups involved in internet scams from Southeast Asia. Li Xiong, former chairman of Huione, was extradited to China in April, where he faces charges related to involvement in a major transnational gambling and fraud syndicate. The National Bank of Cambodia has revoked Huione platforms' business licenses.