Human Exploitation in Southeast Asia

A few days ago, Thailand received 260 foreigners rescued from Myanmar. They came from Brazil, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This rescue operation is part of the eradication of online fraud businesses in Myanmar, namely in the area bordering Thailand and China (Kompas.id, February 14, 2025).

In recent years, online fraud has flourished in Southeast Asia. This crime includes fraud through social media and online gambling, with total losses amounting to billions of US dollars. The victims are not only from Southeast Asia but also from countries outside Asia, such as the United States. The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) estimates that US citizens have lost 3.5 billion US dollars due to online fraud, particularly those based in Southeast Asia.

In Southeast Asia, there are two main countries where these crimes are taking place, namely Myanmar and Cambodia. The growth of online fraud crimes in Myanmar cannot be separated from the political and security conditions in this country. The Myanmar junta is experiencing resistance from militias in several regions. Not a few regions in Myanmar are no longer controlled by the central government, but are instead governed by local militias. In Cambodia, online fraud crimes are also growing. Kompas has also conducted investigative coverage in one of the locations where these crimes operate.

Not a small amount of online fraud funding comes from Chinese citizens. Some of the profits are suspected of flowing to local politicians and political groups. Recently, the Chinese government was angry and worked intensively with Thailand, as well as several local groups, to eradicate online fraud. The reason was, a young Chinese actor was promised to join a shooting so he flew to Bangkok. After that, he was taken to Myanmar to become a fraud worker. The actor was finally rescued.

Online fraud is said by The Economist to be more dangerous than drug trafficking. This crime exploits the loneliness of its victims. The use of artificial intelligence and hacking technology is very well mastered by the perpetrators. Deepfake via video, for example, has tricked a Western company into transferring large amounts of money.

The victims are not only those who were deceived into transferring money, but also job seekers from around the world. They were promised jobs. Unfortunately, they were actually forced to seduce, deceive, and request transfers.

Online fraud crime has become a major threat in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, along with other countries in Southeast Asia, needs to promptly formulate effective prevention and eradication policies. Continue to educate citizens to be cautious.