Amnesty International has called for urgent action by the Cambodian government to protect migrants who have managed to escape from so-called “scamming compounds.” Recent reports and videos highlighted by the rights group document numerous attempts to flee by individuals who are potentially victims of human trafficking and torture. Over a span of 36 hours, 15 videos have shown mass escapes and releases at ten different sites across Cambodia. This situation raises concerns about thousands of people now stranded without support and at risk of being re-trafficked, underscoring the immediate need for intervention.
The regional research director of Amnesty International, Montse Ferrer, emphasized the necessity for the Cambodian authorities to ensure support and safety for these individuals. Many of them are caught in a cycle of danger, and Ferrer insists that they must not be forcibly returned to countries where they face persecution. This situation echoes past instances where victims found themselves in similar predicaments, according to details provided in JURIST.
The alarming conditions within these compounds were detailed in an 18-month investigation, which concluded in June of last year. The investigation documented living conditions in 52 identified compounds and described them as prisons with surveillance cameras, armed guards, and barbed wire. Survivors have recounted experiences of severe abuse and being trafficked between compounds.
Cambodia has responded with efforts to dismantle such operations. On July 4, 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the formation of an Anti-Scam Commission, which has since raided 118 locations and arrested approximately 5,000 individuals involved in these illicit activities. As part of this crackdown, Cambodian authorities recently extradited billionaire Chen Zhi to China, who is accused of overseeing operations for various forced labor compounds.
Despite having existing laws against human trafficking, as noted in a U.S. Department of State assessment, Cambodia struggles with inadequate law enforcement and governmental complicity. This has intensified the trafficking crisis not only in Cambodia but also in neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The onset of the pandemic in 2021 has exacerbated these issues, leaving many migrants vulnerable to exploitation.
INTERPOL has also raised alarms regarding the growing human trafficking network in the region. The international community’s focus remains on ensuring that victims are not only rescued but are also afforded justice and support to rebuild their lives beyond the reach of traffickers.