Scam cities: criminal hubs in transnational cybercrime networks

This research serves to explore the phenomenon of so–called “Scam Cities”: urban or semi–urban hubs, primarily located in Southeast Asia, where criminal networks orchestrate large–scale cyber fraud through the exploitation of trafficked individuals subjected to forced labour. Often disguised as call centres or gambling operations, these compounds represent a convergence of cybercrime, human trafficking and transnational organized crime. Despite growing journalistic attention, the subject remains underexamined in legal and criminological literature. The study develops along two main axes. The first examines the “life cycle” of scam compounds, focusing on: 1) deceptive recruitment strategies; 2) organizational structures; 3) fraud schemes employed; and 4) illicit financial flows. The second provides responses across a temporal spectrum: 1) prevention, aimed at mitigating criminal risks and enhancing awareness; 2) enforcement, directed at identifying countermeasures and related legal lacunae; and 3) post– release support, addressing survivors’ reintegration and legal recognition. By addressing these dimensions, the study aims to contribute to global discussions on scam compounds, deepen academic understanding of the phenomenon and provide insights to inform policy, legal frameworks and practical interventions.