UNODC: Southeast Asian Cyberfraud Organizations Deploying New Technology – 2024

UNODC: Southeast Asian Cyberfraud Organizations Deploying New Technology

United Nations Issues Warning About Expanding Organized Crime

Primary Category: Organized Crime

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime

About This Article

Industrial-scale cyberfraud operations in Southeast Asia are evolving rapidly due to technological advancements and the increasing professionalization of transnational criminal networks. These operations, often linked to sophisticated underground banking and money laundering organizations, are outpacing governmental efforts to contain them.

A recent UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) meeting highlighted the urgency of addressing this threat, which includes hundreds of scam centers and thousands of trafficked individuals working in illicit industries. Countries like the Philippines have banned certain gambling sectors to curb these activities. Despite efforts to dismantle cyber-enabled fraud operations, organized crime groups are diversifying and moving into more remote areas, utilizing deepfakes and malware.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-08-06T13:12:17-04:00August 6th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, ARTICLE, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, SOUTHEAST ASIA, United Nations|Tags: Cyberfraud, New Technology, Southeast Asia, UNODC|0 Comments

UNODC Report: Casinos and Cryptocurrency – 2024

UNODC Report: Casinos and Cryptocurrency

Understanding the Complexities of Large Scale Organized Crime in Southeast Asia

Primary Category: Organized Crime

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific

About This Article

A new report has revealed that casinos, junkets, and cryptocurrency exchanges are major drivers of money laundering, underground banking, and cyberfraud in East and Southeast Asia. The study, titled “Casinos, Money Laundering, Underground Banking, and Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southeast Asia: A Hidden, Accelerating Threat,” highlights the crucial role of underregulated online casinos and crypto exchanges in facilitating transnational organized crime.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-08-03T02:37:47-04:00August 3rd, 2024|Categories: SCARS Institute Editorial Team, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, ARTICLE, United Nations|Tags: Casinos, Cryptocurrency, Cybercrime, Money Laundering, Scams, Southeast Asia, UNODC|0 Comments

Cambodia’s Struggle Against Scam Slavery Scams: A Year After Crackdown, Scams Persist – 2024

Cambodia’s Struggle Against Scam Slavery Scams: A Year After Crackdown, Scams Persist

Scam Slavery Call Centers in Cambodia Still Thriving!

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• VOA

About This Article

Despite Cambodia’s government crackdown on cyber-slavery scams over a year ago, recent reports from anti-human-trafficking groups suggest that such scams are still thriving, challenging the official narrative of significant progress in addressing human trafficking in Cambodia.

Despite the government’s efforts to curb human trafficking by raiding scam compounds and making arrests and deportations, NGOs and international observers expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures. Many scams reportedly relocated temporarily during the crackdown and have since resumed operations in Cambodia, making it difficult for authorities to identify and rescue victims.

Southeast Asia Scam Gangs – SCARS Editorial – 2024

Southeast Asia Scam Gangs

A SCARS Editorial

Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The rise of Southeast Asian Scam Gangs presents a global threat, defrauding countless victims and perpetuating criminal activities. While governments like the U.K. and China are taking action, U.S. attention remains diverted.

However, Washington’s involvement is crucial. These transnational criminal organizations wield substantial economic power, necessitating enhanced law enforcement support.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-17T19:10:26-04:00March 17th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, SOUTHEAST ASIA, USA|Tags: Editorial, Organized Crime, Scam Gangs, Scam Slavery, Southeast Asia|0 Comments

UNODC Report on Casinos and Cryptocurrency Scams and Money Laundering 2024

UNODC Reports on Casinos and Cryptocurrency Scams and Money Laundering

Understanding Organized Crime

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• UNODC – United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime

Article Abstract

A newly released United Nations UNODC report highlights the significant role played by casinos, junkets, and cryptocurrencies in facilitating underground banking, money laundering, and transnational organized crime in East and Southeast Asia.

Pig Butchering Scams In Southeast Asia – 2023

Pig-Butchering Scams In Southeast Asia

Author:
• Reuters – By POPPY MCPHERSON and TOM WILSON
• SCARS Editorial Team

Pig Butchering Scams – How Deeply Wired Into Law Enforcement Chinese Criminals Are In Southeast Asia

How ‘pig-butchering’ scams have emerged as a billion-dollar crypto industry

At a Thai police headquarters in October 2022, Chinese businessman Wang Yicheng congratulated one of Bangkok’s most senior cybercrime investigators on his recent promotion, presenting the official with a large bouquet of flowers wrapped in red paper and a bow.

Mr. Wang, the vice-president of a local Chinese trade group, wished the new cybercrime investigator “smooth work and new achievements”, according to the group’s website, which displays photographs of the event.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-09T05:57:27-05:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, NEWS, Reuters, THAILAND|Tags: Pig Butchering Scams, Scam Call Centers, Scam Slaves, Southeast Asia, Thailand|0 Comments

Southeast Asia