# Scammers held captive in cyber fraud operations

> Cyber scammers in Southeast Asia are themselves trapped in forced labour, coerced into committing crimes they cannot escape.
- Title: Scammers held captive in cyber fraud operations · NPR
- Summary: Cyber scammers in Southeast Asia are themselves trapped in forced labour, coerced into committing crimes they cannot escape. Cyber scammers operating in…
- Keywords: cyber scams, human trafficking, forced labour, southeast asia, modern slavery, news, Scammers, held, captive, cyber, fraud, operations
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/22/nx-s1-5977731/inside-a-modern-slavery-situation-where-cyber-scammers-are-victims-themselves
- Published: 2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cyber scams, human trafficking, forced labour, southeast asia, modern slavery, news
## Scammers trapped in forced labour
Cyber scammers operating in Southeast Asia are themselves victims of modern slavery, coerced into committing fraud under threat.
## How the trap works
Victims are lured with promises of high-paying jobs, then held captive in compounds where they are forced to scam others.
## Escape is nearly impossible
Guards monitor workers constantly. Those who refuse or try to leave face violence, debt bondage, and threats against their families.
## A modern slavery situation
Investigators describe the operations as modern slavery, where workers have no freedom, no pay, and no way out.

> modern slavery situation
## Victims and perpetrators blur
The scammers themselves are victims forced to harm others, creating a cycle where exploitation generates more exploitation.
## Authorities struggle to help
Rescuing victims is difficult because they are scattered across borders, often lack documentation, and fear retaliation.
## Key takeaway

Cyber scammers operating in Southeast Asia are victims of modern slavery, forced to commit fraud under threat and unable to leave their operations.