Episode 6 of “Collared” examines scam centers as industrial-scale fraud operations and links them to modern slavery that generates nearly $250 billion a year.
Andrew Wallis, CEO of Unseen, says modern slavery affects an estimated 50 million people and often operates in plain sight, with victims exploited through multiple forms of coercion.
The episode focuses on Southeast Asia, where scam compounds have become one of the region’s fastest-growing criminal industries and where many workers inside them are victims themselves.
Official crackdowns have been touted as progress, but “Collared” reviews reports suggesting efforts to shut the factories have been ineffective.
The release follows last week’s episode on scams targeting World Cup 2026 fans and European football’s anti-money-laundering overhaul.
Why do government crackdowns on billion-dollar scam centers often worsen the crisis for trafficked victims?
How is artificial intelligence creating a new, more sophisticated era of modern slavery and financial fraud?
300,000 Enslaved: The Human and Financial Toll of Global Cryptocurrency-Driven Cyber Scams
Overview
Cybercrime is escalating worldwide, with cryptocurrency-enabled scams becoming more sophisticated, organized, and efficient. Highly adaptable transnational criminal networks drive this crisis, exploiting weak governance and relocating their operations within and beyond Southeast Asia. These groups continuously refine their methods, making the threat global and persistent. Scam operations take many forms, from discreet setups to large compounds hosting vast workforces, all designed for maximum discretion and effectiveness. Despite some enforcement successes, these criminal networks remain a major and evolving concern, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global action and stronger defenses.