PHNOM PENH, Oct 17 — The surge in human trafficking linked to cybercrime across Asia has sounded regional alarm bells, prompting governments to intensify joint efforts to dismantle transnational scam networks.
South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam are stepping up cooperation with Cambodia and Myanmar, which are often exploited as scam hotspots by international syndicates, to tackle online crimes threatening national security.
Both Cambodia and Myanmar have intensified crackdowns, deporting thousands of foreigners involved in illegal operations. The authorities in both nations have also shut down dozens of scam centres and human trafficking rings as part of coordinated regional efforts to curb cybercrime.
Yesterday, South Korean Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh, where cybercrime dominated the agenda.
“We also discussed joint efforts in combating transnational crimes, particularly online scams.
“Cambodia and Korea will continue collaboration to prevent, suppress, and combat online scams more effectively, contributing to the maintenance of peace, public order, and social security,” online portal Fresh News reported, quoting Manet.
Seoul's National Intelligence Service estimated that at least 1,000 South Koreans are trapped in Cambodia scam centres, reported The Korea Herald.
Cambodia is preparing to expel 59 South Korean nationals suspected of involvement in cybercrime. Its Commission for Combating Online Scams smashed dozens of centres running illegal operations and crippled human trafficking gangs.
About 3,500 suspects from 20 countries were arrested nationwide between June and October as part of a major operation. Security authorities in Myanmar have deported over 10,000 foreigners who were hired by online scam centres this year.
During his visit to Laos yesterday, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his willingness to cooperate with its neighbour to tackle transnational crimes, including online scams and human trafficking, according to the Thai Foreign Affairs Office website.
Landlocked Laos, bordering China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, is also grappling with scam centres, especially in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone and the human trafficking trade.
Yesterday, in Hanoi, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said the government will work with Cambodian officials to protect its citizens and stem cross-border nefarious activities.
“The ministry has directed Vietnamese representative missions in Cambodia to monitor the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans closely,” she said, reported Vietnam News.
In Jakarta, Indonesia’s Communication and Digital Ministry blocked nearly 24,000 bank accounts suspected of being linked to online gambling, reported Antara News Agency on Tuesday (October 14).
It identified over two million contents related to online gambling from October last year to this September.
The proliferation of online scam activities is sending ripples across the region.
Many young men and women, especially from developing countries, are lured by organised syndicates promising high-paying jobs and lucrative perks, only to end up in deplorable working conditions in scam hubs.
