‘Your life becomes a nightmare’: how scam operations exploit those trapped inside – Scam Factories podcast, Ep 2

Ben Yeo was deceived into traveling to a fraudulent compound in Cambodia where he experienced torture. The incident was documented in a podcast series called Scam Factories by The Conversation Weekly. The podcast delves into the dark world of fraud compounds in Southeast Asia, shedding light on the violent treatment endured by victims like Ben and another survivor named George. Collaborating researchers Ivan Franceschini, Ling Li, and Mark Bo have been investigating these scam operations for a book, interviewing survivors and analyzing data to understand how these criminal networks operate. The rise of online scam operations in the region is attributed to weak regulations, organized crime, and corruption. Despite attempts to reach out for comments from relevant companies, responses were not received. The episode was created by Gemma Ware with contributions from various individuals, providing insights into the grim realities of the online scam industry in Southeast Asia.