**Online Scam Centres Fueling Global Human Trafficking, Warns IOM**
*Geneva, Switzerland – July 28, 2026* – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming rise of human trafficking linked to online scam centres. In a press briefing held in Geneva, IOM Director General Amy Pope highlighted that this form of trafficking has emerged as one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises worldwide, with victims originating from over 80 countries.
Pope detailed how these scam centres, predominantly located in South-East Asia, employ an estimated 300,000 individuals across countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These operations typically target vulnerable populations, particularly educated jobseekers, through enticing advertisements on social media platforms. Many of the victims are lured by fraudulent job offers that promise lucrative employment opportunities.
Once victims arrive at these scam compounds, they are often subjected to severe exploitation. Their passports are confiscated, and they face both physical and psychological abuse, rendering them unable to escape the tightly controlled environments of these operations. Pope described these scams as “highly organized” and “highly profitable,” underscoring the extensive reach and impact of these criminal networks.
Recent estimates from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime indicate that online scam operations resulted in global financial losses ranging from $88 billion to $114 billion in the previous year alone. This staggering figure highlights the scale of the issue and the urgent need for intervention.
As the world prepares to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Thursday, Pope emphasized the need for increased support for survivors of trafficking. The IOM has already assisted over 3,500 survivors from 33 different countries, many of whom return home deeply traumatized, burdened by debt, and stripped of their resources after enduring months or even years of captivity.
Pope also raised concerns about the treatment of survivors, who are often mistakenly viewed as criminals rather than victims. She called for enhanced cross-border cooperation and public awareness initiatives to disrupt trafficking networks and protect potential victims from deceptive recruitment tactics.
“People trapped in scam compounds are victims of trafficking, forced to commit crimes through violence, threats, and coercion,” Pope stated, drawing on her experience as a former prosecutor of human trafficking cases. She urged for collective action to support survivors, dismantle trafficking operations, and close the vulnerabilities that these criminal organizations exploit.
The IOM's call to action emphasizes the importance of victim protection, safe return, and reintegration, alongside a concerted effort to educate the public about the tactics employed by traffickers. By raising awareness, the organization aims to empower individuals to recognize risks and know where to seek help.
As the international community grapples with the complexities of human trafficking, the IOM's findings serve as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat this growing threat.