Anti Scam & Trafficking Rescue International

Anti-scam, anti-human trafficking

Join the Fight Against Scams and Human Trafficking

Transnational organized crime syndicates in Southeast Asia are rapidly escalating, involving activities such as cyber fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering, with increasing harm. In 2023, it was estimated that cyber scams targeting victims in East and Southeast Asia resulted in financial losses ranging from $18 billion to $37 billion, in US the number is $ 75 billion, with a significant portion attributed to organized crime groups in Southeast Asia.

The Mekong region, including Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, has become a key hub for these criminal networks to expand their influence and explore new business models. These syndicates exploit autonomous areas controlled by non-state armed groups and criminal enclaves, such as the Golden Triangle region, to carry out illegal activities. The criminal groups not only have the flexibility to move funds but also shift jurisdictions, with their rapid expansion now surpassing the ability of governments to contain them. TOC_Convergence_Report_2024.pdf

Tackling cyber fraud is a global challenge. Due to its transnational and complex nature, international cooperation is essential. Through information sharing, resource integration, and joint law enforcement, we can effectively curb the spread of fraud and protect citizens' rights and safety.

Moreover, these crime syndicates are also linked to human trafficking, with victims often being coerced into participating in cyber fraud activities. The United Nations estimates that more than 200,000 people were forced to work in fraud “factories” in Cambodia and Myanmar last year. Over the past few years, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been trafficked to Southeast Asia, many through deception, coercion, and human trafficking, to participate in the global organized crime network.

These fraud centers are primarily concentrated in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where corruption, governance failures, and weak rule of law provide fertile ground for criminal groups. Victims, mostly from East and Southeast Asia, are often lured by fake job offers, only to discover they are trapped in high-security compounds. They are forced to work 15 hours a day, seven days a week, using social media and dating apps to persuade others to invest in cryptocurrency scams. Those who refuse or fail to meet their quotas face torture or even death.

This modern-day cyber slavery is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a growing threat to global society. Only through international cooperation and multi-dimensional strategies can we effectively combat these transnational organized crimes and offer real relief and opportunities for victims' recovery and reintegration. https://news.un.org/zh/story/2024/07/1129831

An Chinese actor trafficked to the scam hub

Who We Are

Anti-Scam & Trafficking Rescue Int'l

ASTR Int'l (Anti Scam & Trafficking Rescue International), is a registered NGO (non-governmental organization) committed to eradicating fraud and related human trafficking on global scales. It was founded in 2021 by volunteers known as IASA (Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Alliance). Then officerly registered in 2024 as ASTR Int'l.

So far, we have established a comprehensive victim support and guidance system, having reported over a thousand scam platforms and successfully prevented thousands of potential victims from falling prey to fraud. Additionally, we have issued timely alerts to individuals being scammed, enabling them to minimize their losses.

Furthermore, we have developed robust rescue channels and forged partnerships with professional rescue organizations, successfully rescuing hundreds of individuals who were victims of human trafficking.

ASTR Int'l strives to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize and defend against scams and trafficking attempts. At ASTR Int'l, we mobilize volunteers and collaborate with other organizations to amplify our impact. Our focus is on creating a safer environment for everyone, ensuring that no one falls prey to the dark realities of fraud and trafficking. Together, we can create a society where justice prevails, and the rights of every individual are protected.

How this organization established

Victims to Pioneers

Anti Scam & Trafficking Rescue International is a non-governmental organization focused on combating the dual crises of scams and human trafficking. Through dedicated rescue efforts, victim support, and community education, we strive to create a safer world for everyone.