How Southeast Asian Scam Centers Are Expanding Globally

Transnational organized crime groups in East and Southeast Asia are expanding their scam operations globally due to increased law enforcement efforts. These groups are moving their operations to new locations to avoid detection.

Scam centers, which have defrauded victims of billions of dollars through various schemes, are now reported to be operating in Africa and Latin America. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Asian crime syndicates are expanding into remote areas with weaker law enforcement.

The UNODC estimates that hundreds of large-scale scam centers generate nearly $40 billion in annual profits. This expansion beyond the region is consistent with crackdowns on Asian-led scam centers in Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and select Pacific islands. Related money laundering, human trafficking, and recruitment services have also been discovered in Europe, North America, and South America.

Nigeria has become a hotspot in Africa, with police raids leading to numerous arrests. Zambia and Angola have also disrupted Asian-linked cyberfraud operations. In Latin America, Brazil is facing challenges related to cyber-enabled fraud, online gambling, and money laundering, with links to criminal groups in Southeast Asia. In Peru, over 40 Malaysians were rescued after being trafficked by a Taiwan-based gang.

The report also highlights crackdowns on Asian-led scam centers in the Middle East and some Pacific islands. The involvement of criminal groups from other parts of the world is also increasing.

New online markets, money laundering networks, stolen data products, malware, artificial intelligence, and deepfake technologies are contributing to the rise of crime as a service. These technological advancements enable online operations and adaptation to law enforcement efforts.