Cambodia’s highly publicized crackdown on online scam operations left the vast majority of known compounds untouched and failed to rescue individuals trapped in forced labor, torture and slavery, according to a new Amnesty International report.
Researchers identified 86 compounds linked to the illicit industry but found evidence of state intervention at just 24. Interviews with 73 survivors from 16 countries revealed that police raids were often ineffective, with some survivors describing apparent coordination between officers and compound managers.
The report also noted that none of the interviewed survivors were formally recognized as human trafficking victims, leaving many to face overcrowded immigration detention, homelessness, or further police threats after escaping.
