Madagascar Scam Centres Linked to Cambodia Network

Raid operations in Madagascar have uncovered connections between local online scam centres and a criminal group previously active in Cambodia, according to authorities. The group is alleged to have duped African nationals through schemes involving human trafficking.

The raids, conducted in August and September with the US Department of Justice, led to the dismantling of thirteen Chinese-run scam compounds. During the operations, over 3,200 electronic devices were processed, and $52 million in cryptocurrency was seized in total.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had previously warned about the expansion of these scam networks, particularly into Southern Africa. However, the operations in Madagascar appear to be part of a broader trend of relocating such criminal activities following crackdowns in Southeast Asia.

Eleven Chinese nationals arrested during the online scam crackdown mysteriously walked free from a Madagascar jail in August, sparking a public scandal that allegedly involved the head of the prison service. Several African nationals remained in custody, with officials noting initial findings suggested some may have been victims of human trafficking.

The scam operations in Madagascar reportedly recruited individuals via social media, promising work in the commercial sector. Around 20 nationals from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe were in custody, according to authorities. Most of these individuals were allegedly forced into scam activities after their passports were confiscated upon arrival.

A Malaysian national, identified as Chui Kok Wa, was charged with running a romance scam scheme and was found living in a villa in Antananarivo. US authorities believe his criminal group, with connections to Malaysia and China, moved operations from Cambodia to Madagascar after law enforcement action in that country.