The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed that Kenyans rank among the largest groups of victims rescued from online scam compounds in Asia. These compounds are often controlled by criminal networks that lure individuals with false promises of lucrative overseas jobs.
Once recruited, victims are coerced into participating in online scams under harsh and abusive conditions. Many have their travel documents confiscated and are confined within tightly monitored compounds, where they endure threats, physical violence, sexual abuse, isolation, and food deprivation.
Scope of the Problem
Between 2022 and 2025, IOM assisted over 3,500 victims of trafficking for forced criminal activity from 39 countries. Besides Kenya, significant numbers came from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. This highlights the extensive reach of trafficking networks across multiple regions.
According to IOM Director General Amy Pope, "People trapped in scam compounds are victims of trafficking, forced to commit crimes through violence, threats and coercion. They deserve protection, not punishment." She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to support survivors, dismantle trafficking operations, and close loopholes exploited by these networks.
Economic Impact and Regional Response
New estimates from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicate that scam-related crimes across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand resulted in financial losses ranging from $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025 alone. These figures underscore the growing scale of organised crime linked to trafficking.
In response, IOM has launched a regional strategy for 2026–2030 aimed at enhancing prevention, victim protection, cross-border cooperation, and actions against trafficking networks.
Call to Action
The warning comes ahead of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, observed this year under the theme "Trapped Behind the Scam." IOM urges recognition of those forced to commit online fraud as trafficking victims rather than criminals, advocating for their protection and reintegration.
"We call for sustained support to safeguard victims through protection, safe repatriation, and reintegration, while raising awareness about traffickers' deceptive tactics," IOM stated.
