Why Should We Care About Asia's Scam Syndicates?

Ray and Jim welcome Sue-Lin Wong, investigative journalist from The Economist, to talk about her new podcast series, “Scam, Inc.”

Sue-Lin explains the vast multi-billion criminal network behind the mysterious e-mails, text messages and social media offers that we see every day. She takes us on a harrowing journey from huge scam compounds in Southeast Asia populated by ruthless criminal groups and illegally trafficked people working under often horrific conditions.

From Asia she returns to the United States, where she explains how ordinary people are targeted and ensnared into “investing” their money into these elaborate schemes through a process called “pig-butchering”.

She walks us through the psychological tactics used by scammers; the role of technology and cryptocurrency; the heartbreaking impact of human trafficking in scam compounds; and how Singapore has mobilized a whole-of-society response. She explains how otherwise rational people can be victimized by the scammers’ increasing sophistication and resources.

This crucial conversation highlights the need for awareness at the individual, national and global levels.

Follow Sue-Lin on X at @suelinwong.

Our podcast is produced by IEJ Media, sharing news that matters on statecraft & instruments of national power.

Sponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific.