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Why is Southeast Asia still the global hub for online scam networks?

January 8, 2026

Southeast Asia remains a focal point for online scam networks, despite recent crackdowns like Cambodia's extradition of tycoon Chen Zhi. The region is plagued by forced labor and trafficking, with numerous scam compounds that continue to exploit vulnerable individuals for digital fraud operations.

Credit: People from China, Vietnam and Ethiopia, believed to have been trafficked and forced to work in scam centres, sit with their faces masked while in detention after being released from the centres in Myawaddy district in eastern Myanmar, February 26, 2025. File Image/

Key Highlights

Cambodia's extradition of tycoon Chen Zhi marks a rare crackdown on online scams.
The transnational scam industry has defrauded billions worldwide.
Victims from China, Vietnam, and Ethiopia have been trafficked and forced to work in scam centers.
Southeast Asia is still a hub for sprawling scam operations despite efforts to combat them.

World Tech

Sources

Why is Southeast Asia still the global hub for online scam networks?

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Why is Southeast Asia still the global hub for online scam networks?

Key Highlights

Sources

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