Cambodia’s Dark Secret: Cryptocurrency-Fueled Cyber Slavery

A shocking reality has emerged in Southeast Asia, where criminal gangs are using cryptocurrency to recruit and manipulate cyber slaves from around the world. In Cambodia alone, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people have fallen victim to this insidious scheme.

The Scam Unfolds

Criminal gangs, mostly Chinese operating in Cambodia and Myanmar, target lonely hearts looking for a partner online. They lure them into converting their savings into cryptocurrency, which they then send to the gang’s accounts. The victims are left with financial devastation, while the gangs reap huge profits.

• Banks must be vigilant for sudden large transactions involving cryptocurrencies, as these may be signs of fraud.
• Researchers at the Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) work with banks to identify warning signs and help prevent further exploitation.

The Victims

The cyber slaves are often well-educated, tech-savvy individuals who speak multiple languages. English speakers are particularly prized, as they can reach out to a larger pool of potential victims. The majority of slaves come from China, but the proportion from other countries is increasing.

• Recruitment takes place through various channels, including employment websites, social media groups, and even personal networks.
• Some cyber slaves are tasked with luring more people into the trap.

Supporting Victims

Abdus Salam, a survivor from Bangladesh, was trafficked to Cambodia where he was forced to work in scamming compounds. He worked 18 hours a day, had his passport confiscated, and was never allowed outside. Many female slaves were sexually exploited.

• Foreign governments must do more to support rescued cyber slaves, researchers say.
• For example, a 16-year-old girl from China who was trafficked after trying to run away from home was supported by a researcher for months before being forced back to her violent father.

Government Inaction

The Cambodian government has been accused of inaction and corruption, with some officials directly involved in selling victims. The Chinese government is increasingly aware of the problem, but efforts to crack down on compounds in Myanmar have been limited due to communication difficulties.

• Once rescued, cyber slaves face further punishment, often being charged for crimes committed under duress.
• “Victim survivors need to be treated as experts on this crime,” says a researcher at HRC.
• There have even been reports of Cambodian police extracting further money from slaves once they’ve been rescued.

A Call to Action

A Taiwanese investigation has provided a lead for other countries to follow, with over 100 cases prosecuted and more than 280 criminals arrested. The dark secret of Cambodia’s cryptocurrency-fueled cyber slavery must be exposed and addressed by authorities worldwide.