Kuala Lumpur: In the past, human trafficking crimes were mostly associated with the sex trade but today, the focus has shifted toward recruiting 'criminals' to engage in online fraud, extortion, and money laundering. The syndicates concerned lure their victims through job advertisements offering attractive salaries, often abroad, via social media and the Internet. After taking the bait, victims find themselves trapped by syndicates that claim they must repay 'debts' incurred from the expenses of bringing them abroad.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, victims are forced to repay the so-called debts by working as online scammers for the syndicate. Experts have noted that human trafficking for forced criminality has become increasingly prominent in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, over the past three years. They warn that the situation is expected to worsen if the current gaps in legal frameworks, international cooperation, and enforcement are not improved.
Commenting on human trafficking for forced criminality, criminology expert Dr. Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid explained that it refers to the exploitation of victims through coercion or deception to carry out criminal activities for the trafficker's economic gain or other benefits. She emphasized that this coercion can be either subtle or violent, with the main aim of exploiting individuals to commit crimes, often sending victims abroad. The common activities include scamming, drug trafficking, and other illicit operations.
Haezreena Begum further described two possible scenarios in the context of forced criminality. In one, a person initially deceived into becoming a scammer may choose to stay with the syndicate due to the lucrative income. In another scenario, a person deceived with legitimate employment offers is later forced into criminal activities, with no escape from the cycle of exploitation.
The recruitment process often targets teens and youths in their 20s and 30s, who are lured by attractive job offers on social media. Once interested, they are contacted by the syndicate with seemingly legitimate instructions for travel. However, this process can lead to their abduction and coercion into criminal activities.
The worrying trend is reflected in the 504 Malaysians rescued from countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, but only a small percentage were confirmed as genuine victims of human trafficking. Many had voluntarily become scammers and only sought rescue after threats or abuse. Additionally, forced criminality operations often take place in enclosed business premises like casinos and hotels.
Haezreena Begum called for amendments to Malaysia's Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 to clearly define forced criminality as a form of exploitation. She also highlighted the need for specific legislation to address scams, as current efforts rely on general fraud-related sections of the Penal Code.
Despite regional efforts, challenges persist, such as conceptual confusion, difficulties in investigation and prosecution, and a lack of international cooperation. Addressing these issues requires stronger cross-border collaboration and legal frameworks.
Meanwhile, Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim from the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation stressed the evolving tactics of trafficking syndicates, which now recruit agents through personal contacts and direct networking. He emphasized the importance of awareness, tighter border controls, and cross-border law enforcement to combat these crimes.
Hishamuddin also noted that no human trafficking case of this nature has resulted in imprisonment, highlighting the need for effective prosecution. He urged Malaysia, as the current chair of ASEAN, to pressure member states to dismantle scam compounds in their territories to curb forced criminality.