Cyber scam hubs across Southeast Asia fuelled by human trafficking: APG report

The article highlights the alarming rise of cyber scam hubs across Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, fueled by human trafficking. Indian citizens, lured by lucrative job offers, are often trapped in these compounds, forced into 'cyber slavery,' and subjected to physical abuse, with syndicates demanding ransoms for their release. Indian agencies like NIA, CBI, and ED are actively probing these cases, and the Indian government has rescued thousands of citizens. The Asia/Pacific Group (APG) Yearly Typologies Report 2025 details the operation of these hubs, their exploitation of regulatory loopholes in SEZs, use of complex corporate structures, and reliance on money laundering via hawala, cryptocurrencies, and mule accounts. The report also warns of emerging threats like decentralization and the use of AI in scams, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and stronger AML/CFT frameworks.