Story perspectives

UNODC: Franchise-Style Scams Cost Asia-Pacific $88-114 B

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UNODC says scam networks operate as franchises with units for money laundering and data harvesting.
The agency said Asian-Pacific residents lost at least $88 billion in 2025, with regional losses estimated between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion.
Groups are recruiting speakers of German, Polish, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, French, Swedish, Norwegian and English.
Pressure has pushed gangs from Myanmar and Laos into East Timor, Pacific islands and parts of Africa, exploiting governance gaps.

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Story summary

The UNODC says scam networks operate as franchises with units for money laundering and data harvesting.
The agency said Asian-Pacific residents lost at least $88 billion in 2025, with regional losses estimated between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion.
Groups are recruiting speakers of German, Polish, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, French, Swedish, Norwegian and English.
Pressure has pushed gangs from Myanmar and Laos into East Timor, Pacific islands and parts of Africa, exploiting governance gaps.