UNODC and EU warn of growing human trafficking linked to cyber-enabled fraud and scam centres, with more than 300,000 people estimated to be forced into cybercrime activities in Southeast Asia alone

Criminal networks use fake job offers, digital platforms and AI-enabled tools to recruit and control victims, who are often forced to commit fraud under abusive conditions and may be wrongly treated as criminals rather than trafficking victims. The threat is expanding beyond Southeast Asia, with victims identified from nearly 80 nationalities and scam operations spreading across multiple regions. UN estimates suggest more than 300,000 people in Southeast Asia are being forced into cybercrime activities, generating billions in illicit proceeds…