Amnesty International warned Tuesday that mass escapes and releases from online scam compounds in Cambodia has created a humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands of people stranded on the streets without state support.
Describing the situation as an “international crisis on Cambodian soil," Ferrer noted that Amnesty's researchers have met people from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas who are in "urgent need of consular assistance in order to help get them home and out of harm’s way."
Cambodia: Videos show escape and mass release of victims held in scam compounds across the country
Cambodia’s crypto scam compoundsRights groups said workers at the compounds are trafficked from abroad, stripped of passports and forced to work under threat of violence for criminal networks that generate billions of dollars in illicit revenue.
Amnesty said interviews revealed a chaotic and dangerous situation for those left without passports, money, medical care or a clear path to safety after leaving the compounds. All of those interviewed had escaped or been released within the past six weeks, including at least 11 within the past week.
Survivors described widespread and severe abuse inside the compounds. Several reported sexual assault by managers, including two pregnant women, while others recounted brutal punishments, including a man whose finger was cut off.
Amnesty said testimony corroborates evidence from more than 25 videos it geolocated earlier this month showing mass departures from scam sites. Many of those who fled are now stranded in Phnom Penh, the capital, and in need of food, shelter and medical help.
Survivors interviewed came from countries including Brazil, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines and Madagascar.
Those interviewed reported little or no police or military presence during or after their escape, raising concerns about the role of Cambodian authorities. Some said guards beat people who tried to leave, while others described compounds being abandoned by managers, allowing detainees to walk out freely.
One survivor told Amnesty he witnessed a man being killed by a manager after attempting to escape. Ten others said police regularly visited their compounds, including to remove bodies, but took no action against those running the operations.
Another survivor, identified as Delilah, said many people died inside the compound where she was held near Phnom Penh. “People got sick but they don’t help us,” she said. “We had to force our way out because one guy is sick and he doesn’t want to die.”
Anti‑trafficking organizations told Amnesty that the Cambodian government is failing to properly identify and protect victims of human trafficking, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation by organized criminal groups.
Scam groups in Southeast AsiaHowever, observers and rights groups say many enforcement actions appear largely symbolic, with reports that operators were tipped off in advance, leaving compounds empty by the time raids occurred.
Amnesty added urgent action is needed from Cambodian authorities and foreign governments alike to provide humanitarian aid, restore documents and facilitate repatriation for survivors.
““The people we have spoken to are deeply afraid,” Ferrer said. “These people urgently need their own governments to step in and help.”
