UN migration agency warns surge in trafficking to Asian scam compounds

The United Nations migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said a dramatic rise in human trafficking is feeding large scam compounds in Southeast Asia. Scam centres in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos now employ as many as 300,000 workers, drawing victims from over 80 countries. Traffickers lure people with fake job ads promising lucrative contracts for English‑speaking, college‑educated applicants, then strip them of documents and force them to run online fraud schemes under threats, violence and confinement.

The IOM estimates tens of thousands have already been trafficked. Many report sexual abuse, stigma, debt and solitary confinement. While Thailand has stepped up efforts to identify these sites, the agency says more action is needed across the region. IOM urges countries to protect survivors, ensure safe return and reintegration, and raise awareness of traffickers’ tactics.