A Malaysian man has been found guilty in the United States of abusive sexual contact involving a minor aboard a cruise ship travelling in international waters.
According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office, a Miami jury convicted 67-year-old Lay Ong after determining he assaulted a seven-year-old boy who had been playing outside his cabin.
“Abusing a child is an unforgivable act,” said US Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This verdict makes clear that anyone who preys on a child — anywhere, and under any flag — will be held to account. We will continue working with the FBI to protect young victims and bring their abusers to justice.”
Ong faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under US federal law. His final sentence will be decided by a district court judge. Upon completing his prison term, he will be deported.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and the prosecution was handled under Project Safe Childhood, a national US initiative targeting crimes of child exploitation.
Authorities said the case underscores their commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring offenders are prosecuted regardless of nationality or where the crimes occur.
