Crypto is the currency for Cambodia, Myanmar global cyber-slavery scams

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In an article by Disruption Banking, Mina Chiang, Founder of Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC), sheds light on the rampant issue of cyber slavery in Cambodia and Myanmar, where criminal gangs use cryptocurrencies as their preferred payment method. These gangs recruit individuals globally, coercing them into carrying out online scams in a process known as "pig butchering," which involves tricking victims into converting their savings into crypto.

The Cambodian government estimates that between 80,000 and 100,000 people have been forced into cyber slavery, a figure that may be conservative according to the International Justice Mission. These victims are often well-educated, multilingual individuals from a wide range of countries, recruited through various channels including legitimate job offers and personal network connections.

Abdus Salam, HRC's Survivor Empowerment Officer, shared his personal experience of being trafficked from Bangladesh to work in scam compounds in Cambodia, describing severe conditions such as passport confiscation, forced labor, and confinement. The article highlights the professional and deceptive nature of these operations, which often disguise themselves as legitimate businesses.

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