Statistics on Human Trafficking Victims in Southeast Asia: Profiling the Crisis

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or other purposes. Syndicates behind such heinous acts often target victims proficient in multiple languages, leveraging their skills for illegal activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these syndicates utilized deceptive tactics such as high-paying job advertisements on social media to lure unsuspecting victims to third-world countries. As awareness of "job scams" increases, traffickers have resorted to more insidious methods, including abduction, seduction, and romance scams, to ensnare their victims.

At the heart of human trafficking lies the deception and exploitation of innocent individuals. The evolving creativity of traffickers’ methods underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures. Combating this issue requires collective responsibility—to recognize the signs of trafficking and to act when someone is at risk.

Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

The Global Anti-Scam Organization (GASO) has developed a standardized approach to assist victims of trafficking. Through its Human Trafficking Victims Master List, a comprehensive Google form, GASO collects essential details about individuals who have been tricked, sold, or trapped in syndicate-controlled operations. Many of these victims are forced to engage in illegal activities, such as online scams.

GASO’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandates the submission of specific information via the form to initiate rescue missions and provide assistance. However, the data reported to GASO represents only a fraction of the broader issue. Many victims suffer in silence, intimidated by the threats and stress imposed by their captors.

Victim Identification and Support

Victims typically reach out to GASO through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, email, or website live chat. They are then directed to a casework advisor to record their statements. The victims’ families are required to produce a police report as part of the process. Once the casework advisor confirms that the individual is indeed a victim, appropriate resources are allocated to facilitate their rescue from the scam center. After the victim is successfully rescued, the casework advisor collaborates with authorities to prosecute the individuals involved in trafficking the victim to the affected countries.

The fight against human trafficking is far from over, but organizations like GASO are making significant strides. By raising awareness, offering direct support, and implementing innovative rescue methods, GASO continues to shine a light on the plight of trafficking victims and bring hope to those trapped in the shadows.

Who Are the Victims?

Since 2020, Southeast Asia, particularly along the border areas between Northern Myanmar and Thailand, has witnessed a sharp rise in cybercrime and illegal industries. This surge has been accompanied by a concerning increase in related issues such as human trafficking and unlawful detention.

Traditionally, the media has portrayed victims of cybercrime in one of two ways: as professional scammers who knowingly engage in illegal activities to make quick money, or as naïve individuals—referred to as "fools"—who lack the awareness to prevent fraud and protect themselves.

Victim Profiles

We have compiled the most common profiles of individuals who join scam centers, either willingly or unwillingly. While there are exceptions that do not fit into these categories, this list follows the 80-20 rule, focusing on the majority (80%) of cases:

• Single-Parent Families: Individuals from single-parent households, often facing financial or emotional vulnerabilities.

• LGBTQ+ (Lesbians): Members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbians, who may experience social or familial rejection, making them more susceptible to exploitation.

• Mafia Gangs: Individuals connected to or under pressure from mafia gangs in their home countries.

• Economically Disadvantaged Families: People from impoverished backgrounds, driven by financial desperation.

• Low Education Levels: Individuals with limited education, making it harder for them to secure stable and legitimate employment.

Methods of Deception

1. Friends: A "friend" may trick victims into believing that they also work at the company and that it is safe. These friends can include childhood acquaintances and may or may not be inside the scam center themselves.

2. Job Scam: Recruiters post advertisements, often on Facebook, for customer service jobs promising salaries between $800 to $1,200 USD.

3. Shopping Scam: Recruiters deceive victims into traveling to Bangkok under the pretense of working as personal shoppers.

4. Romance Scam: Recruiters play on romantic emotions, convincing victims to travel to Bangkok to meet a romantic interest who does not exist.

5. Drugged While on Holiday: Victims visiting Bangkok on a holiday may be drugged at a bar and later taken to a scam center.

The Other Side: Willing Participants

Some individuals knowingly participate in these operations for reasons such as legal troubles, financial desperation, or drug addiction. Others are influenced by friends or are fugitives on the run. In extreme cases, some participants become complicit after being brainwashed or lured by large commissions.

Data Insights

In 2022, GASO reported 179 cases of human trafficking, followed by 106 cases in 2023 and 33 cases in 2024, totaling 318 cases. The highest number of victims were from Taiwan (171 cases), followed by Malaysia (79 cases) and China (57 cases). Despite a year-on-year decrease, the issue persists.

Notably, GASO’s efforts in countries like Myanmar and Laos highlight the complexities of addressing human trafficking. In the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Laos, for example, the working environment is less restrictive, but victims still face significant challenges.

Conclusion

The recorded data on rescue or assisted cases reflects GASO’s commitment to combating human trafficking. Media coverage and advocacy have played a significant role in raising awareness and reducing cases. However, the fight is ongoing. By continuing to raise awareness, offering direct support, and collaborating with international authorities, GASO aims to restore hope and dignity to those affected by human trafficking.

In 2022, GASO reported 179 cases of human trafficking, followed by 106 cases in 2023 and 33 cases in 2024. These figures indicate a year-on-year decrease in reported cases.

 A total of 318 cases of human trafficking have been reported to GASO from the year 2022 to 2024. The highest victims of human trafficking were from Taiwan which is 171 cases, followed by Malaysian 79 cases and Chinese 57 cases

Note: in 2022, 27 cases of human trafficking have been reported to GASO, 431 cases for 2023 and no

 Note: A total of 458 cases of human trafficking have been reported to GASO from the year 2022 to 2024. The highest victims of human trafficking were from China which is 135 cases, followed by Taiwanese 130 cases and Philippines 90 cases.

 Note: in 2022, 7 cases of human trafficking have been reported to GASO, 9 cases for 2023 and only 1 case recorded in 2024

Data Insights

The total number of cases in Cambodia decreased from 2022 to 2024, likely due to extensive media coverage and published articles about human trafficking issues in related countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan, and China.

By nationality, the highest number of cases involved Taiwanese victims. GASO provided these victims with assistance such as hotel accommodations, medical care, and support during the repatriation process.

The data for Myanmar saw a sharp increase in 2023, attributed to the efforts of Sammy, an ex-GASO member from Taiwan. Sammy joined GASO only towards the end of 2022, after Cambodia officially issued a hotline to rescue any trapped victims, and actively participated in rescue missions while frequently appearing in Taiwanese media, raising awareness of GASO as part of an anti-human trafficking organization. However, Sammy’s tenure with GASO ended in September 2023. Since then, GASO has chosen not to handle cases involving individuals in Myanmar due to differing views on vetting processes. This decision stemmed from concerns that inadequate vetting might lead to both criminals and victims being rescued. GASO encourages the public to reach out directly for accurate information and to avoid relying on potentially misleading narratives.

In the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Laos, the number of cases is lower compared to Cambodia and Myanmar. This is possibly due to a less restrictive working environment, allowing workers greater freedom to move in and out of buildings. In contrast, companies in Cambodia and Myanmar often restrict workers' activities within confined spaces. The majority of human trafficking cases in Laos involve Taiwanese victims, followed by Malaysian and Chinese individuals.

The recorded data on rescue or assisted cases reflects GASO’s commitment to combating human trafficking. Media coverage and advocacy have played a significant role in raising awareness and reducing cases. However, the fight is ongoing. By continuing to raise awareness, offering direct support, and collaborating with international authorities, GASO aims to restore hope and dignity to those affected by human trafficking.