The IOM has warned that criminal networks are trafficking people into scam compounds and forcing them to participate in online fraud operations that generate billions of dollars annually.

The warning comes ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, observed this year under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam.”

According to IOM, victims are often lured by fake job advertisements promising legitimate employment abroad. After arrival, many are locked inside compounds, stripped of identity documents, placed under constant surveillance and forced through violence, threats and debt bondage to carry out online scams targeting people around the world.

Survivors have reported torture, sexual abuse, starvation and solitary confinement.

IOM Director General Amy Pope said people forced to work inside scam centres must be treated as victims of trafficking. “People trapped in scam compounds are victims of trafficking, forced to commit crimes through violence, threats and coercion. They deserve protection, not punishment,” Pope said.

Pope said international cooperation is essential to address the rapidly growing crime. “We must work together to support survivors, stop traffickers and close the gaps these criminal networks exploit. No country can tackle this alone,” Pope said.

New data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that scam-related offences across East Asia, South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand caused losses of between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion in 2025.

IOM said scam compounds across the region are believed to hold hundreds of thousands of trafficked workers.

The organisation has launched a Regional Strategy Response to Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality in Asia and the Pacific for 2026–2030. The strategy focuses on victim protection, prevention, cross-border cooperation and partnerships to disrupt trafficking networks.

Between 2022 and 2025, IOM assisted more than 3 500 victims of trafficking for forced criminality across South-East Asia. The victims came from 39 countries, with the largest numbers originating from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Kenya and Bangladesh.

IOM said rescue is only the first step. Survivors often face trauma, stigma, debt, missing identity documents and fear of prosecution.

The organisation said support must include victim identification, protection services, direct assistance, consular coordination, safe return, reintegration and stronger cooperation with governments and law enforcement agencies.

IOM called for continued support to assist victims, hold traffickers accountable and raise awareness of recruitment tactics used by criminal networks.