The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said in a new report that scam networks in Southeast Asia have consolidated into a single technology-driven criminal economy, generating an estimated $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in losses in 2025. A large share of the funds, the agency said, moved through cryptocurrency channels. The report described the groups as operating under a "corporate franchise" model and using tools including generative AI to run so-called pig-butchering scams. UNODC called on police forces across the region to receive specialized crypto training so they can trace illicit flows more effectively. It also said enforcement on its own will not solve the problem, and stressed that asset seizure is a critical part of the response.
A report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said scam networks in Southeast Asia have merged into a single technology-driven criminal economy, causing an estimated $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in losses in 2025, with a large amount of the money moving through cryptocurrency.
The agency said the criminal groups use a "corporate franchise" model and deploy technologies such as generative AI to carry out pig-butchering scams.
UNODC urged police in the region to receive specialized crypto training to help trace funds, and said enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Seizing funds, it said, is essential.
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