MIAMI (US), Nov 15 — A Malaysian national has been convicted in the United States for abusive sexual contact involving a minor aboard a cruise ship sailing in international waters.
According to a press release on the US Attorney’s office website, a jury in Miami found 67‑year‑old Lay Ong guilty after evidence showed he assaulted a seven‑year‑old boy while the child was 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 now faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under US Federal law, with sentencing to be determined by a district court judge.
Following his prison term, Ong will be subject to deportation.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a US initiative to combat child exploitation.
Authorities stressed that the conviction demonstrates a firm commitment to protecting children and ensuring offenders are held accountable regardless of nationality or location.
