The issue of human trafficking is a grave matter for the US Department of State (DOS). The department has particular concern over the severity of trafficking in distinct parts of the globe and its correlation with unlawful gambling practices.
In their 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, the DOS highlighted the high vulnerability of specific economic zones and border towns to such unlawful activities. The department identified several problematic countries such as Cambodia, Burma, and Macau, which do not sufficiently adhere to the standards as specified under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), thereby raising alarm bells.
Deceitful acts by traffickers in countries like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Ghana, and Türkiye, include offering counterfeit jobs to lure individuals from various nations, as flagged by the DOS.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOS observed that the human trafficking problem exacerbated. Unemployed individuals were led astray by traffickers exploiting the shaky economic climate. Shady operations such as casinos and shell companies thrived in areas that witnessed minimal law enforcement, often referred to as “jurisdictionally complex regions,” sparking heightened illegal activities.
It is also imperative to point out that factors like climate change are perceived to bear considerable influence on the rates of human trafficking.
Manipulative Tactics Target Job Hunters
The DOS has expressed serious concerns about criminal groups, particularly those taking roots in China. These criminal organizations pose as labor agents to bait individuals from East Asia and Africa. Their typical targets are often technology-savvy individuals with a good command over English.
Playing on the desperation for better opportunities, these criminals promise attractive job prospects. But upon reaching their destination, the victims find themselves entrapped in so-called scam factories located in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Here the trafficked individuals are stripped of their passports and thrust into forced labor, enduring untold violence.
As per DOS’s observations, every year, millions of people, including adults, adolescents, and children, are entrapped in such scams.
Nationwide Crackdowns Underway
Fortunately, nations worldwide are growing increasingly aware of the grave situation and are taking proactive measures. Many of these problematic nations are mobilizing efforts to combat scam factories and liberate the victims from further exploitation.
Taiwan and Laos are among the nations taking a strong stand against such issues. The former led a successful operation in the previous year, rescuing scores of trafficked Taiwanese. Laos, too, collaborated with various authorities a year earlier to probe the matter seriously.
Cambodia, a hotspot for multiple crime syndicates, is countering illegal gambling and human trafficking. The country’s efforts have been rewarded with its removal from the FATF grey list in February.
Besides advocating for heightened awareness, the DOS noted that combining forces and employing advanced technology can foster significant change in the fight against forced labor.
