The United Nations issued a report on Monday, revealing that transnational organized crime groups based in East and Southeast Asia are expanding their scam operations worldwide due to intensified crackdowns by authorities.
These operations have been particularly active in Southeast Asia for several years.
The report identifies Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines as key locations where scam compounds have flourished, especially in border areas.
Criminal groups have adapted by frequently moving their operations to evade police actions.
The scam centers have deceived victims worldwide, extracting billions of dollars through fraudulent romantic schemes and fake investment opportunities.