What Do We Know About Human Trafficking and Scam Compounds in Southeast Asia (2020–2025)? A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Coercive Deviant Enterprises

The European Union (EU)’s current provisions on the trafficking in human beings (THB) are provided for, inter alia, in Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA. The Council of Europe have more recent provisions in this area, which are not yet widely in force. The EU has some major proposals for reform of its legal framework in the Stockholm Programme, to include the appointment of an EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. In addition, the focus of EU Justice and Home Affairs is shifting to the external relations of the EU under the Stockholm Programme. A critical examination of the EU legal framework in the area of THB from a law enforcement perspective is therefore timely. THB is a highly contentious and complicated area for regulation, with issues such as the support of the victims of trafficking, the particular needs of under-aged trafficked individuals, and the issues of due process when a witness may not be considered to be reliable during court proceedings, complicating operations and prosecutions. In addition the issue of illegal immigration adds a further layer of complication, with the UK maintaining its opt out from the EU’s illegal immigration provisions. This article will, focus on the illegal trafficking of adults against their will, and the consequences of this crime, in particular, for the UK law enforcement authorities.

Background and Purpose: In the modern globalisation epoch, security threats no longer concern the state’s hostilities, military operation, or nuclear proliferation. It involves non-traditional menaces like human trafficking, which is believed to escalate quickly. The goal of this research is to identify human trafficking activities and to reveal the experiences of victims in the Southeast Asia region, particularly in Malaysia. Methodology: This study used a qualitative method through a case study approach. It involved an in-depth interview session with five primary informants (represented as Cases 1 to 5) who were the victims of human trafficking from Bangladesh, a government officer from related agency, two local academicians and a representative of Bangladesh foreign workers’ vending system company. Findings: The study discovered that human trafficking crimes produce detrimental effects on the survival of the victims, especially on the economic and individual security aspect. Their wages are not fully paid and their freedom to socialize is restricted. Contribution: This study calls for policy formulation and policy implementation to protect the interest and security of people despite their citizenship which is considered the most trustworthy, relevant and universal approach in rectifying these illegal activities within Southeast Asia region especially in Malaysia. Keywords: Bangladesh, labour migration, human security, human trafficking. Cite as: Dolhan, N., Othman, Z., & Idris, N. A. (2021). Human trafficking and human security in Southeast Asia: A case study of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 136-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-155

Background and Purpose: In the modern globalisation epoch, security threats no longer concern the state’s hostilities, military operation, or nuclear proliferation. It involves non-traditional menaces like human trafficking, which is believed to escalate quickly. The goal of this research is to identify human trafficking activities and to reveal the experiences of victims in the Southeast Asia region, particularly in Malaysia.
 
 Methodology: This study used a qualitative method through a case study approach. It involved an in-depth interview session with five primary informants (represented as Cases 1 to 5) who were the victims of human trafficking from Bangladesh, a government officer from related agency, two local academicians and a representative of Bangladesh foreign workers’ vending system company.
 
 Findings: The study discovered that human trafficking crimes produce detrimental effects on the survival of the victims, especially on the economic and individual security aspect. Their wages are not fully paid and their freedom to socialize is restricted.
 
 Contribution: This study calls for policy formulation and policy implementation to protect the interest and security of people despite their citizenship which is considered the most trustworthy, relevant and universal approach in rectifying these illegal activities within Southeast Asia region especially in Malaysia.
 Keywords: Bangladesh, labour migration, human security, human trafficking.
 
 Cite as: Dolhan, N., Othman, Z., & Idris, N. A. (2021). Human trafficking and human security in Southeast Asia: A case study of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 136-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-155

Human trafficking and forced labour are not new issues in Southeast Asia, and they are still prevalent today. This chapter explores the social and ecological dynamics of migration and trafficking, as well as the underlying causes of these problems, especially in multinational corporations. This chapter also examines the international and regional laws relating to human trafficking and forced labour. Although many international instruments have been established, these issues are still growing as many trafficking victims are still trapped in a variety of industries. The complexity of the global supply and demand chain have directly enabled human trafficking to be more profitable. Many countries have taken various initiatives to promulgate their home legislation to combat human trafficking. Nevertheless, the continued existence of human trafficking demonstrates a lack of enforcement. Finally, the study emphasises the significance of coordination and collaboration across member states, including transparent data exchange on human trafficking and forced labour.

This article explores the intricate relationship between Indonesia's political landscape and its efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly through the lens of digital advancements. Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Indonesia, characterized by systemic challenges such as corruption, inadequate law enforcement, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing policy analysis, and case studies to assess the effectiveness of current anti-trafficking strategies. Key findings highlight the potential of digital tools, including AI, big data analytics, and blockchain technology, in enhancing victim identification and improving coordination among law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the role of public-private partnerships is emphasized as a critical component in advancing technological solutions and fostering community engagement. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, including disparities in digital infrastructure between urban and rural areas, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for enhanced training among law enforcement personnel. The article argues for Indonesia's leadership role in the Southeast Asian region, advocating for the adoption of comprehensive digital strategies that align with international human rights standards. By addressing the multifaceted nature of human trafficking through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, Indonesia can strengthen its anti-trafficking framework and serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on human trafficking by providing insights into the intersection of politics, technology, and human rights, ultimately aiming to inform policy and practice in combating this global issue.

Human trafficking remains a critical issue in Southeast Asia, exacerbated by socio-political, economic, and cultural factors. This paper examines the concept of justice, advocating for enhanced international cooperation to effectively combat human trafficking in the region. It identifies the limitations of current national-level approaches, which fail to address the transnational nature of trafficking networks. The paper highlights significant normative and legal gaps, such as inconsistent definitions of trafficking, lack of harmonized laws, and weak enforcement mechanisms, which undermine anti-trafficking efforts. Drawing on international law and human rights frameworks, the paper argues for a more coordinated approach among Southeast Asian nations, international organizations, and civil society. Central to this approach is legal harmonization, improved intelligence sharing, and stronger enforcement to combat trafficking. The paper also integrates restorative justice and victim-centered policies, emphasizing comprehensive rehabilitation for survivors. By analyzing successful case studies and pinpointing gaps in existing legal frameworks, it offers practical recommendations for policymakers, including the establishment of regional task forces and the creation of victim support networks. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift in the fight against human trafficking, calling for a holistic, justice-oriented approach that goes beyond borders and empowers victims and frontline actors in Southeast Asia.

인신매매는 마약밀매, 테러리즘 등의 다른 안보위협 상황과 결합되어 있고, 조직범죄 집단에게 마약밀매 및 무기밀매와 함께 큰 경제적 이익을 안겨줄 가능성이 높은 초국가적 범죄이다. 무엇보다도 피해자의 직접적인 신고가 인신매매 가해자 체포 및 범죄예방에 중요한 역할을 한다고 할 수 있기에 본 연구에서는 인신매매 피해자의 경찰 신고에 영향을 미치는 요인이 무엇인지 살피는데 궁극적인 연구 목적을 두고자 한다. 이를 위해 UNODC가 수집한 인신매매 자료를 활용하여 연구 분석을 실시하는데, 아세안 국가 내 전체 129개의 인신매매 판결 사례를 중심으로 빈도분석 및 로지스틱 회귀분석을 실시한다. 분석 결과, 피해자가 적극적으로 수사 기관에 피해 상황을 신고한 경우는 47건으로 전체의 62.7%에 해당하는 것으로 나타났다. 그리고 경찰 신고에 영향을 미치는 요인으로 피해자 가족들이 과거 가해자 정보를 알고 있었는지가 피해자 신고 결정에 유의미한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 인신매매 보호요인(protective factors)에 해당하는 “피해자 가족 인지여부”가 위험요인(risk factors)에 해당하는 여권위조 여부나 선불금 수령 여부보다 더 중요한 피해 신고 관련 요인이었다고 볼 수 있다. 이하 아세안 지역 인신매매 실태 및 근절과 관련된 정책 사항을 본문에서 다루도록 한다.Trafficking in persons is the most heinous crimes and exploitation toward the most vulnerable individuals. Given the significance of this issue, comprehensive approaches should be implemented, requiring the involvement of both public and private sectors. In this context, ASEAN member states have initiated numerous programmes against trafficking in persons and have recently signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP, 2015). In this regard, this study aims at examining the prevalence of trafficking in persons in ASEAN and investigating crucial factors which are associated with police report behavior of victims by analyzing UNODC data. The smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons have increased throughout the world, specifically, in Southeast Asia. The current study utilized total of 129 trafficking in persons cases from UNODC. Among them, only 75 cases were analyzed due the fact that 54 cases did not include information regarding attitude of filing a report to law enforcement. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that family recognition about offender of trafficking in persons is a statistically significant factor that is likely to increase the odd of the police report. Further policy implication will be discussed.

Abstract. Trafficking is a serious problem and occupies the second largest industry in the world. Trafficking in persons is a crime against humanity. Its activities include the act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, storing or receiving a person using violence, coercion or otherwise for the purpose of exploiting them. In order to prevent and eradicate trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Member Countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is known as ASEAN making an international agreement which regulates trafficking in persons, especially women and children, namely the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of legal protection against victims of trafficking in Indonesia in relation to ACTIP. The approach method in this research is normative juridical. The research specification used in this study is Descriptive Analysis. The data in this research were obtained through literature study or document study. Data analysis method in this research is qualitative normative analysis. The study concluded that some of the provisions contained in ACTIP protect victims of trafficking in persons. The implementation of legal protection for victims of trafficking in persons by Indonesia has not been effective. Keywords: Human Trafficking, Legal Protection, ACTIP Abstrak. Perdagangan orang merupakan sebuah masalah serius dan menempati industri terbesar kedua di dunia. Perdagangan orang merupakan tindakan kriminal terhadap kemanusian. Kegiatannya meliputi tindakan perekrutan, pengangkutan, mentransfer, menyimpan atau menerima seseorang manusia menggunakan kekerasan, pemaksaan atau lainnya untuk keperluan mengeksploitasi mereka. Dalam rangka mencegah dan memberantas perdagangan orang, khusunya perempuan dan anak Negara Anggota dari Perhimpu

Mathematics education has benefited from qualitative methodological approaches over the past 40 years across diverse topics. Although the number, type, and quality of qualitative research studies in mathematics education has changed, little is known about how a collective body of qualitative research findings contributes to our understanding of a particular topic within the field. Through a process of qualitative research metasynthesis, our knowledge base can be broadened to provide insights into attitudes, perceptions, interactions, structures, and behaviors relevant for mathematics teaching and learning. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a rationale, definition, and procedure to conduct qualitative metasynthesis as a means of synthesizing and interpreting qualitative studies in the field of mathematics education.

This research reveals the strategies employed by Chinese organised crime groups in the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of Thai labourers, highlighting practices such as human trafficking and forced labour within call center scamming operations across Southeast Asia. It also seeks to develop policy recommendations for preventing and addressing new threats posed by human trafficking networks linked to grey Chinese capital. The research adopts a qualitative approach, including group discussions to gain a comprehensive understanding of trafficking tactics used by Chinese criminals and their multifaceted impact on the wellbeing of victims. The findings demonstrate that human trafficking frequently begins with the creation of companies that recruit job seekers and screen victims through fake job advertisements and fraudulent employment agencies, both within and outside Southeast Asia. Once the targeted victims are selected, they are transported to labour sites where their work does not align with the initially agreed-upon conditions. Additionally, traffickers provide monetary compensation to individuals who play a role in deceiving the victims. Should the victims fail to meet job expectations, they face coercion, punishment, resale for labour exploitation elsewhere, and even organ trafficking. The research explores how criminal operations are organised in multi-layered networks that involve cross-border engagement, including corrupt officials and smuggler agents. Victims are, in some cases, rescued through police and military interventions. However, the impact can be severe, ranging from psychological trauma and physical health deterioration to social stigma, which further affects the victims' ability to reintegrate into their community. This situation, in turn, reproduces more traffickers, as victims who face barriers to reintegration often turn to criminal activities. The study concludes with several policy recommendations, including addressing key pain points through the intensive application of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), enhancing officials’ capabilities to keep up with the evolving tactics of human traffickers, strengthening international cooperation, improving coordination with local law enforcement to track criminal activities, and increasing the efficiency of the screening and identification process for victims.

The dimensions, causes and characteristics of the human trafficking tragedy are largely undocumented. Despite over two decades of efforts by national and local governments, the United Nations, academics, NGOs and other interest and advocacy groups, statistically reliable data on the issue are scarce. This lack of reliable data hinders almost every effort to combat human trafficking. Policymakers and researchers cannot answer many basic questions concerning the demographic, occupational, ethnic or other characteristics that might distinguish successful migrants from those more vulnerable to trafficking. This paper has four principal objectives: First, we review the state of data collection on human trafficking to illustrate the need for better data on human trafficking. Second, we present our household survey methodology, which we seek to validate as a method for collecting statistically reliable data on human trafficking. Third, we present the results of a pilot study using the household survey methodology to gather information on human trafficking in Trà Vinh Province Vietnam. These include estimates on the extent of trafficking in the region, the predictors of trafficking vulnerability and predictors of knowing trafficking victims. Finally, we use the results of our pilot study to draw tentative suggestions for public policy. Our analysis reveals several areas that deserve more attention from governments and other interested organizations as well as areas where resources are not being deployed effectively.

By analysing the complex issues surrounding internal and cross-border human trafficking in Asia, and asserting critical perspectives and methodologies, this book extends the range of sites for discussion and sectors in which human trafficking takes place. The book re-centres human trafficking as an area of legitimate academic inquiry in a region that is often considered as an epicentre for human trafficking: East and Southeast Asia. It thus offers an in-depth analysis and up-to-date knowledge on research methodologies and engagements, patterns and forms of human trafficking, constructively critiquing anti-trafficking campaigns and discourses, and offering examples of good practice within the region that help us move beyond the impasse that currently hampers human trafficking as a field of inquiry in the social sciences. Providing constructive avenues for human trafficking research to proceed methodologically, theoretically and ethically, this book is of interest to students and scholars of Politics, International Relations and Southeast Asian Studies.

Legal issues related to refugees in Southeast Asia are influenced by the lack of regulations related to refugees in countries in Southeast Asia. This is related to the increasing number of refugees in Southeast Asia who are accepted by a country only based on humanitarian reasons. This study aims to examine the legal aspects related to the problem of refugees with the principle of non-refoulement related to refugees in Southeast Asia. This research is a normative legal research with a conceptual approach and legislation. The results of the study confirm that one of the legal aspects related to refugees in Southeast Asia is to strengthen regulations in each country in Southeast Asia. This includes also confirming the existence of the principle of non-refoulement by ratifying and becoming a party to the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol as an effort to provide legal certainty in implementing legal policies related to refugees. In addition, the role of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) plays an important role in providing welfare and protection for refugees from violence and discrimination. This is mainly by optimizing the involvement of ASEAN countries in providing direct assistance with the distribution of food, clothing and a decent living regardless of matters relating to citizenship. This is intended so that ASEAN countries' acceptance of refugees for humanitarian reasons is also limited and guided by legal products that guarantee legal certainty as well as the implementation of the principle of non-refoulement.

Human trafficking constitutes one of the gravest forms of human rights abuses, whereby people are exposed to, and maintained in, conditions of severe exploitation, by means of deception, coercion, or force. It is indicative that three of the most advanced economies in Southeast Asia, namely Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, host more than 90 of the 6.8 million registered intra-regional migrants. In all three countries, migrants primarily work in similar, low-skill sector jobs, including in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, domestic work, maritime industries, or commercial sex. This chapter discusses these factors with respect to human trafficking in the Thai fishing industry. The 1990s saw Thailand emerge from a net-sending to a net-receiving country for labour migration. Frequent reports on both government and industry failures to address human trafficking in the Thai fishing sector, and the shocking human tragedies that have come to light as a result, have begun to jeopardise trade relations with important export markets.

There is a growing interest in human security in Southeast Asia. This book firstly explores the theoretical and conceptual basis of human security, before focusing on the region itself. It shows how human security has been taken up as a central part of security policy in individual states in Southeast Asia, as well as in the regional security policy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The book discusses domestic challenges for human security including the insurgencies in southern Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. Transnational security issues such as terrorism, drugs, human trafficking and the situation in Burma are explored by the author, and the ‘ASEAN’ way of contrasting the values and approaches of Southeast Asian countries with those in the West is assessed. By focusing on the ongoing changes and efforts to achieve human security in Southeast Asia, this book contributes to theoretical debates on human security as well as regional studies on Southeast Asia.