UN agency focused on drugs, crime prevention and international security
An international pattern of grooming and coercion by groups known as Com networks has emerged, with cases in the UK and beyond. Authorities report a surge in abuse linked to Discord, Telegram and other platforms, with tens to hundreds of cases; the networks recruit vulnerable youths, especially girls, to produce exploitative content for notoriety.
A UNODC report shows Asia-Pacific losses from scams reaching up to $114 billion in 2025. Authorities have raided scam centers in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, while criminals shift operations to new hubs or shrink scale. The U.S. and partners are coordinating to hold operators and complicit officials accountable, with Cambodia planning an international conference on cyber scams in September.
The International Organization for Migration says scam centres employing up to 300,000 workers across Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos lure victims through fake job ads, seize documents, and force participation in online scams. Victims come from over 80 countries and include graduates with strong English. IOM has assisted thousands and is calling for cross‑border action and awareness.
A cross-border crackdown has led to major drug seizures in several countries. In the UK, 2.9 tonnes of class A drugs hidden in a banana shipment have been seized at London Gateway Port, with nine men questioned. Africa and the Middle East report further seizures and arrests tied to cocaine, cannabis and captagon networks. The operations highlight ongoing efforts by national police agencies to disrupt trafficking chains and cut profits.
Cambodian authorities say they have eradicated large-scale online scam operations and tightened cyber laws after a sweeping crackdown that detained thousands and shut many compounds. Critics warn that fraud networks persist and recruitment continues, highlighting doubts about the scope of the success.