Assessing human trafficking and cybercrime intersections through survivor narratives

Lazarus, Suleman ORCID: 0000-0003-1721-8519, Chiang, Mina and Button, Mark (2025) Assessing human trafficking and cybercrime intersections through survivor narratives. Deviant Behavior. ISSN 0163-9625

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Abstract

This study examines how cybercriminals exploit deceptive recruitment tactics and digital platforms to entrap and exploit victims in human trafficking within the cybercrime context. It employs Migration and Transnationalism perspectives to elucidate the intersection of human trafficking and cybercrime operations in Cambodia. Using thematic analysis of victim testimonies, we identify six main themes: (1) Deception and Recruitment, (2) Manipulation and Control, (3) Exploitation and Forced Labor, (4) Trading and Movement, (5) Scamming Methods, and (6) Escape and Rescue. While the following analysis explores the victim’s first-hand experiences within these themes, it also reflects the accounts of other victims referenced in his story. Human traffickers enticed victims with fraudulent job offers and misleading promises, compelling them to pay significant recruitment fees. After recruitment, they manipulated victims through tactics such as visa deception and bribery at immigration to ensure compliance and control. They subjected victims to harsh working conditions, enforcing extended hours, unrealistic targets, and physical punishments for underperformance. Strict security measures and trading between companies and compounds further complicated escape efforts. Criminals trained victims to forge identities and exploit targets via social media, effectively turning them into online fraudsters. However, some managed to escape with assistance from NGOs, highlighting the vital role of organizational support in rescue operations. We highlight the need for targeted interventions and support for victims of such complex cybercrime enterprises.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Social Policy
Subjects:	K Law H Social Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2025 11:39
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2025 09:06
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127408

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