The Collapse of USAID Is Already Fueling Human Trafficking and Slavery at Scammer Compounds
1 min read
Summary
The attempts by the Trump Administration to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are impacting anti-human-trafficking initiatives.
These are aimed at eradicating “scam compounds” in South East Asia, which fuel online fraud and are often linked to organized crime groups that use forced labour.
The funding cuts are making it more difficult for people to escape such compounds and are limiting investigatory work into criminal groups.
Grassroots organizations that help identify and support victims of trafficking have also been seriously affected with some closing permanently, which will increase vulnerability to fraud.
The wider impact will be that criminal groups will be able to flourish, and both trafficking victims and potential victims in the US will be at increased risk.