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In Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, there’s been a continuous proliferation of criminal enterprises conducting ‘pig butchering’ scams to cheat unsuspecting members of the public in Southeast Asia, North America, Europe and other parts of the world. Operating with impunity, scam centers have raked in hundreds of millions of dollars.The scam center staff are often victims as well, originating from all over Asia and even Africa, who were duped with fake job offers or other false incentives and then trafficked to work in locked down compounds, where failure to comply may result in physical and sexual abuse.
Penetrating the shroud of secrecy surrounding these compounds and exposing the horrific abuses happening inside every day largely falls to investigative journalists, filmmakers, NGO activists and victims and their families who dare expose what is going on. These advocates work around the clock to secure the release and safe repatriation of all victims of trafficking. Still, they face intimidation and retaliation from the scam center gangs and government officials in their pockets.
For instance, Mech Dara, one of Cambodia's most prominent journalists, was recently arrested on the vague charge of incitement, which is often used in Cambodia against government critics. Last year, Mech Dara was recognized by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his central role in exposing Cambodian scam centers.
So, who are these brave activists and journalists breaking the stories, exposing the gang leaders and their cronies and helping save those ensnared by these trafficking, scam center syndicates? What sorts of hostile surveillance, intimidation and threats do they face? And what can be done to better protect the activists and support their mission to free the trafficking victims, see the scam centers shut down for good and act to hold accountable those operating these centers, and their cronies, for their crimes? These and more questions will be discussed at the FCCT.
Come hear an esteemed panel reporting on the frontlines of this epic struggle against criminal enterprises who have hurt so many people.
Warun Siriprachai, film director and maker of the documentary ‘Inside the Scam Centers.’
Jake Sims, co-founder/managing director, Operation Shamrock and Southeast Asia columnist at The Diplomat.
Mechelle Moore, chief executive officer, Asia of Global Alms, Inc. and founder of 'Yes She Matters.'
Nathaphob Sungkate, freelance journalist focusing on human rights issues.
Moderator: Phil Robertson, FCCT board member, and director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA).
Members who wish to book in advance should email [email protected] or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.
Non-members can use this link: https://www.ticketmelon.com/fccthai/media-and-civil-society-activists-fight-back-against-scam-centers
Members free, non-members 450 baht; Thai media and students with ID, 150 baht.
Bar and restaurant open.
Photo: Mech Dara at the 21st international anti-corruption conference (IACC) in Vilnius, Lithuania, June 2024.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand - FCCT, มาย ออฟฟิศ เอ-เพย์ ประเทศไทย, ถนน เพลินจิต, ปทุมวัน, กรุงเทพมหานคร, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330, ประเทศไทย,Bangkok, Thailand
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