Taking decisive action against online fraud.

In its newly released report, UNODC notes that criminal networks emerging in Southeast Asia in recent years, with large-scale fraud centers employing tens of thousands of forced laborers, have rapidly developed into a global network operating with increasing sophistication. Despite increased crackdowns by some Southeast Asian governments, these criminal organizations continue to shift their operations, spreading throughout the region and even globally .

In recent months, China, Thailand, and Myanmar have intensified a coordinated campaign to crack down on fraud centers along the Thai-Myanmar border, rescuing victims of fraud or abduction (such as actor Wang Jing and male model Yang Zeqi from China in January 2025). The Thai government has cut off cross-border electricity supply to parts of Myanmar and disconnected the internet to disrupt the operation of these fraud centers.

However, UNODC stated that the gangs have been maneuvering their operations to remote areas and regions with lax governance in Southeast Asia as well as in countries outside the region.

Criminal organizations are also expanding into South America, seeking to strengthen ties with drug cartels in the region through money laundering. In addition, these organizations are expanding their operations into African countries such as Zambia, Angola, Namibia, and Eastern Europe.

Criminal gangs employ various tactics to lure and entice people from dozens of different countries into their scams. In recent raids at the Thailand-Myanmar border, authorities have rescued victims from more than 50 countries.

UNODC analyst John Wojcik assessed that criminal gangs are developing rapidly and "spreading like cancer." He stated that although the authorities of a particular locality or country may dismantle a network operating in their area, the roots of the criminal organization remain, like a centipede with many legs, so these organizations can still use sophisticated tactics to shift their operations.

UNODC estimates that there are hundreds of large-scale fraud operations worldwide, generating tens of billions of dollars annually. The agency calls on countries to cooperate and intensify efforts to dismantle these criminal gangs in Southeast Asia and prevent their activities globally.

Experts summarize that while online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and target various groups, they all share a common method: gaining trust, stealing user information, and then appropriating assets. Online fraudsters exploit advanced technology to take advantage of the "hidden corners" of people's minds, especially greed and fear, to manipulate their psychology and then defraud them for profit.

Many victims fall into scams because they are tempted by easily obtainable assets or gifts of unknown origin, unrealistic profits without hard work, enticing offers of "easy work with high pay," or fear of harm to their lives, honor, reputation, or legal rights. Therefore, alongside efforts to eradicate crime, countries need to strengthen public awareness campaigns to improve people's understanding of the law; only then can online fraud be eradicated in the long term.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/quyet-liet-voi-nan-lua-dao-truc-tuyen-post874788.html