The issue of human trafficking, scams, and rescue operations is fraught with complexity, particularly when it comes to distinguishing between victims and those who voluntarily become involved in fraudulent activities. According to basic international anti-human trafficking standards, the process of rescuing a person is based on determining whether they are indeed a victim of exploitation. However, the reality of rescue operations can often be far more complicated than simply identifying who is a victim and who is not.
The Basics of Assessment and Rescue
In organizations working to combat human trafficking, the first step is conducting a basic assessment report. This assessment helps determine if someone has been trafficked and exploited, or if they are actively participating in illicit activities. A common scenario involves individuals who have been trafficked to Southeast Asia under false pretenses, where their involvement in scamming or other illicit activities is a central concern. However, the question arises: can someone who voluntarily participates in such schemes truly be considered a victim?
According to statistics, many individuals who find themselves involved in scams or trafficking come from challenging backgrounds—broken families, financial struggles, or criminal histories. While there are some rare exceptions, most individuals entering these situations have been drawn in through desperate circumstances. Still, the line between victim and willing participant is difficult to draw, especially when the person’s past actions or decisions play a role in their current predicament.
The Struggles of Rescue Operations
Since the establishment of rescue operations, our team has frequently encountered conflicts when it comes to assessing whether someone truly qualifies as a victim. Disagreements often arise over the sincerity and legitimacy of an individual’s claim. The issue is further complicated by the fact that rescue operations often involve long hours, a lack of funding, and the occasional departure of team members who feel disillusioned by cases where the supposed "victims" are not as innocent as they claim.
In our team, members generally fall into two categories:
Rational members: These individuals stick to the protocol, making decisions based on strict criteria and evidence.
Emotional members: These individuals tend to sympathize with anyone who claims to be a victim, feeling that every person who reaches out should be rescued, regardless of the validity of their situation.
The latter group often struggles with the idea of injustice—believing that every "victim" deserves a chance at rescue, especially when they feel sympathy for the suffering involved. However, this view doesn’t always align with the reality of the situation.
The Harsh Reality of Scams
For many victims of scams, especially those who have been defrauded of large sums of money, the response from law enforcement is often disappointing. Police departments may inform scam victims that they will not recover their money and that there is little to no jurisdiction over the scammers, particularly if they are operating internationally. This is a common scenario globally, where law enforcement agencies are often powerless in the face of cross-border criminal activity. For these victims, the only option is to accept the loss and move forward, and those who cannot bear the emotional burden may even resort to drastic measures, such as ending their lives.
However, the situation becomes murkier when we look at those who were tricked into conducting scams themselves. In these cases, the line between victim and perpetrator is thin. While they may have been lured into participating, they are still complicit in the scam and have engaged in fraudulent activity, often for monetary gain. The notion of victimhood is challenged when individuals knowingly partake in scams, receive commissions, and continue to exploit others. The moral and legal responsibility rests with these individuals, as they are often aware of their actions and the consequences for the victims they are deceiving.
The Case of "DanDan"
A recent case exemplifies the complexity of this issue. Dandan, a 26-year-old Chinese national, initially reached out for help in early 2022, claiming to have been trafficked and coerced into participating in scams in Cambodia. Given that he had been in Cambodia for over two years, our team initially decided against rescuing him. However, in July 2023, Dandan sent us invaluable evidence from the scam compound. This evidence was enough to conduct a successful raid and led to a collaboration with Chinese and Cambodian law enforcement agencies.
Despite the risks, including a potential threat from the syndicate, Dandan chose to do the right thing by providing critical information about the operation. His actions eventually resulted in his rescue and a reduced sentence, as he voluntarily cooperated with authorities. Dandan’s case stands out as an example of someone who made the difficult choice to take responsibility for his actions and turn himself in, despite his past involvement in criminal activity.
Voluntary Fraudsters: Not All Are Victims
The line between a genuine victim and a voluntary fraudster is not always clear-cut. In my 18 months in this industry, I’ve encountered numerous individuals who claim to have been tricked, only to later discover that they have a history of engaging in fraudulent activities themselves. Many of them have criminal records, including scams and money laundering offenses. It becomes increasingly difficult to believe that they were completely unaware of their involvement in illegal activities, especially when they have prior convictions related to scams. For example, we recently received a Taiwanese man who claimed to have been tricked. However, upon further investigation, we found that he was a fugitive in Taiwan, with a long list of scam-related offenses. This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting and careful assessment before offering assistance. There are also cases where individuals have been rescued, only to return to their criminal activities. One such case involved an 18-year-old Malaysian who initially claimed to have been trapped but later chose to return to the scam compound because of the financial incentives.
The Role of Parents and Relatives
To avoid further complications, we urge parents and relatives of individuals who claim to be victims to refrain from contacting us directly. Our team needs to speak to the individual in question to assess their situation. If someone has chosen to sell themselves to another company, it raises serious red flags. This not only jeopardizes the individual’s safety but also strains the resources of rescue operations.
Accountability and Personal Responsibility
In the world of human trafficking and scams, the concept of victimhood is complex. While some individuals are genuinely exploited, many others are complicit in their own victimization. Everyone who gets involved in fraudulent activities, whether by choice or under duress, must ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The role of rescue organizations is to provide assistance to those who are genuinely trapped and exploited, but this help must be extended carefully, based on thorough investigation and evidence. In the end, personal responsibility is key—those who make mistakes must be willing to face the consequences, just as we all must.
