The Rise of Cybercrime Syndicates in Southeast Asia
Cybercrime syndicates in Southeast Asia have generated as much as US$37 billion in illegal proceeds, according to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Despite increased law enforcement efforts, these syndicates are expanding their operations in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, engaging in activities such as romance-investment schemes, crypto fraud, money laundering, and illegal gambling.
The pandemic has further fueled the growth of illegal cyber activities in the region, prompting criminals to adopt new technologies such as AI, deepfakes, and cryptocurrency solutions for money laundering. This professionalization of money laundering has turned transnational criminal groups in Southeast Asia into global leaders in the illicit economy.
Moreover, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been trafficked into the region to work in scam centers, casinos, and special economic zones, further exacerbating governance challenges in border areas.