The Trump administration has introduced a new visa policy aimed at targeting foreign criminal groups involved in large-scale fraud and cyber scams.
Under the new rules announced under the Immigration and Nationality Act, foreign criminals accused of carrying out major fraud operations could face US visa bans.
The restrictions may also extend to their close family members.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move is part of a broader effort to stop international criminal networks that have caused financial losses to millions of American citizens.
Focus on Cyber Scams and Financial Fraud Networks
The new policy mainly targets cyber scam groups and extortion networks that have stolen billions of dollars through online fraud.
The US government plans to use several measures against these groups, including:
Visa restrictions
Financial sanctions
Legal action
Asset freezes
Extradition requests
International cooperation
The aim is to break down these criminal networks and bring those responsible to justice.
Policy Follows Trump’s March Order
The latest visa restrictions are based on an order issued by President Trump in March, which made cyber fraud investigations a priority.
The order directed US agencies to strengthen action against international criminal organizations involved in online scams.
It also warned that countries allowing such activities could face consequences, including:
Sanctions
Visa restrictions
Suspension of foreign aid
Removal of officials involved in wrongdoing
Chinese Cyber Groups Accused of Running Major Scams
According to reports, Marco Rubio has accused Chinese-linked transnational criminal organizations of operating online scams, including the “pig butchering” scam.
In this type of fraud, criminals build fake online relationships with victims and convince them to invest money in fake schemes.
Reports claim these cyber groups caused losses of at least $10 billion to US citizens in 2024.
Apart from financial fraud, these networks are also linked to other crimes such as money laundering, corruption, and human trafficking.
US Takes Action Against Cambodia-Based Network
As part of its crackdown, the US administration has imposed sanctions on 35 individuals and organisations connected to Cambodia’s “Prince Group Network.”
The action targets groups accused of involvement in human trafficking and cyber fraud activities.
The US government has stated that it will continue working with international partners to dismantle criminal networks operating across borders.
