Articles tagged with “globalexpansion”

Asian crime syndicates operating multibillion dollar cyber scams are expanding into South America and Africa, according to a new UN report. Despite crackdowns in Southeast Asia, these networks continue relocating and setting up large compounds with trafficked workers forced to scam victims worldwide. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warns that criminal groups are spreading uncontrollably, likening the situation to a "cancer" that migrates when pressured. Hundreds of scam operations generate tens of billions annually, exploiting online platforms to target millions globally without physical borders. Authorities report rising losses, including over $5.6 billion in U.S. cryptocurrency fraud last year. So called "pig butchering" romance scams, often targeting elderly victims, accounted for millions. The UN urges international cooperation to disrupt funding and dismantle these rapidly growing criminal enterprises.