More or Less: Behind the Stats Do ‘pig butchering’ cyber scams make as much as half Cambodia’s GDP?
Jun 22, 2024
Uncovering 'pig butchering' cyber scams in Cambodia that potentially take half of the country's GDP. Heartbreaking story of Cindy falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam. Delving into the challenges of estimating cyber scam revenue globally and their impact on victims. Investigating the scale of these illicit operations and the difficulty in verifying the estimated losses. Previewing the next installment and inviting audience feedback on the questionable figures.
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Cindy's Pig Butchering Experience
- Cindy received an accidental text, leading to weeks of conversations with "Jimmy."
- She invested $2.5 million in cryptocurrency after he introduced her to it, losing everything.
The Reality of Pig Butchering
- Pig butchering scams involve building trust, often romantically, before stealing victims' money.
- The perpetrators are often victims of human trafficking, forced to work in compounds.
Estimating Pig Butchering Profits
- The UN estimates pig butchering profits in Cambodia at $7.5-12.5 billion, nearly half the country's 2021 GDP.
- This estimate is based on expert interviews, media reports, and assumed earnings per worker.