The Humanitarian Crisis of Cyber Scam Farms in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the proliferation of cyber scam farms, where hundreds of thousands of individuals from over 66 countries are trafficked and forced into fraudulent activities. A recent report by Amnesty International highlights the dire conditions faced by survivors, many of whom are left destitute and abandoned on the streets of Cambodia and Myanmar. The report describes the situation as an "international crisis," emphasizing the urgent need for international government support for victims.

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Survivors of these scams report horrific conditions, including physical violence and lack of medical care. For instance, Felix, a 31-year-old Ethiopian, described his 18-month ordeal in Myanmar, stating, “They punch you, they kick you, everything.” Many victims escape by hiding in jungles or paying ransoms, while others are rescued by local NGOs and governments. However, the process of repatriation is fraught with difficulties, as survivors often struggle to find food and shelter while awaiting assistance.

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Despite the alarming situation, aid workers assert that not enough humanitarian organizations are stepping up to provide support. Amy Miller, Southeast Asia director of Acts of Mercy, noted that smaller aid groups are overwhelmed and underfunded, while larger organizations like the Red Cross have not engaged significantly in this crisis. The lack of a robust victim screening process in countries like Cambodia exacerbates the issue, as many survivors are treated as criminals rather than victims of trafficking.

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Nigeria, in collaboration with the British High Commission, has highlighted the global crisis of human trafficking into cyber-enabled scams. Recent efforts have led to the safe return of Nigerian survivors, but the UN's 2026 report estimates that at least 120,000 individuals are currently held in forced scam operations in Myanmar alone, with the total across Southeast Asia exceeding 300,000.

Blueprint NewspaperNAPTIP, UK lament human trafficking scourge, cyber-enabled surgeThe Guardian

Tomoya Obokata, UN special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, emphasized the responsibility of governments to provide safe houses and medical support for victims. He suggested that confiscating the proceeds from scams could fund frontline groups assisting survivors.

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Critics argue that the response from international organizations has been inadequate. Ling Li of the EOS Collective pointed out that the UN International Organization for Migration has been unable to provide necessary accommodations for victims due to legal restrictions. This raises questions about the effectiveness of international institutions in protecting trafficking survivors.

Destitute survivors of Asia’s cyberscam farms an ‘international crisis'

The crisis of cyber scam farms in Southeast Asia demands immediate and coordinated international action. Without adequate support, many survivors may be tempted to return to their exploitative conditions, perpetuating the cycle of trafficking. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for governments and humanitarian organizations to recognize these individuals as victims and provide the necessary resources for their recovery and reintegration.

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• “They punch you, they kick you, everything,” — Felix, Survivor

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• “There is a major bias that’s happening across the sector in general; that most do not see them as victims of human trafficking,” — Amy Miller, Acts of Mercy

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• “This raises a serious and painful question. If international institutions who have victim protection in their mandate cannot provide protection, emergency assistance, or even a safe space for trafficking survivors, what is their role on the ground?” — Ling Li, EOS Collective

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• “There’s no excuse for governments to say they do not have any resources,” — Tomoya Obokata, UN Special Rapporteur

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