Published: April 27, 2025, 06:59 PM
A new UN report reveals that criminal syndicates behind the multibillion-dollar cyberscam industry, originally based in Southeast Asia, are expanding globally, with operations now reaching South America and Africa. Despite increased raids in Southeast Asia, these groups continue to grow, leaving authorities struggling to contain their reach.
These syndicates, which began in Southeast Asia in recent years, have established large, sprawling compounds housing tens of thousands of workers, many of whom are trafficked and forced to scam victims worldwide. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) describes the operations as a sophisticated global network that has adapted and spread, even as local governments attempt crackdowns.
Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC`s acting regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, likened the growth of these criminal networks to a "cancer" that spreads despite treatment efforts. "Authorities treat it in one area, but the roots never disappear; they simply migrate," he explained.
The report estimates that there are hundreds of large-scale scam farms worldwide, generating tens of billions of dollars annually. The UNODC urges global cooperation to disrupt the financing of these criminal activities, which, according to analyst John Wojcik, have outpaced other transnational crimes due to their scalability and ability to reach millions online.
In 2023 alone, the United States reported losses exceeding $5.6 billion from cryptocurrency scams, including romance scams that targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly.
Expanding Footprint
Despite ongoing efforts by authorities in China, Thailand, and Myanmar to crack down on these operations, syndicates have adapted by moving to more remote areas within Southeast Asia and beyond. Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, as well as regions with weak governance, have become hotspots for scam operations.
The UNODC notes that raids in Cambodia have led to a significant shift of operations to more isolated locations, including Koh Kong province, and areas near Thailand and Vietnam. Myanmar, still reeling from political instability, has also seen continued expansion of these criminal networks.
Authorities have discovered that syndicates have now extended their reach into South America, forging partnerships with local drug cartels to facilitate money laundering. Additionally, operations have been set up in Africa, particularly in Zambia, Angola, and Namibia, and in Eastern Europe, including Georgia.
The syndicates’ workforce has also become more diverse, with recruits from over 50 countries, reflecting the global scale of the fraud. Recent crackdowns along the Thai-Myanmar border led to the rescue of individuals from countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
Critical Turning Point
The UNODC warns that the international community is at a "critical inflection point." If the issue is not addressed, the consequences could be disastrous, particularly for Southeast Asia, with ripple effects felt globally.
