“People trapped in scam compounds are victims of trafficking, forced to commit crimes through violence, threats and coercion. “We must work together to support survivors, stop traffickers and close the gaps these criminal networks exploit. As trafficking in persons for forced criminality continues to expand across Asia and increasingly beyond the region, IOM has launched its new Regional Strategy Response to Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality in Asia and the Pacific (2026–2030). Between 2022 and 2025, IOM assisted more than 3,500 victims of trafficking for forced criminality across South-East Asia, from 39 countries, with the largest numbers originating from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Bangladesh. The message at the heart of this year’s campaign is clear: people forced to commit crimes inside scam centres are victims of trafficking, not criminals, and should be protected, not punished.