The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore the intersection of forced scamming operations and child labor in Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to better understand the connections between human trafficking for forced criminality, online scam operations, and child labor to inform future programming. It focuses on understanding how transnational criminal networks exploit vulnerable populations, including children, in the context of digital scams and related illicit activities. The RFI is not a funding opportunity and serves solely as a mechanism for gathering public input.

Forced scamming operations have rapidly expanded across Southeast Asia, driven by organized crime networks often linked to Chinese mafia groups. These operations, targeting regions such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, employ deceptive recruitment practices to lure vulnerable individuals, including migrants and children, into exploitative conditions. Victims are coerced into working in scam centers, often under harsh conditions, and may face physical and psychological abuse. The growth of these operations has been enabled by weak law enforcement and corruption, leaving affected populations with little recourse.

The RFI highlights specific concerns about the involvement of children in these operations. Children in economically disadvantaged or underserved communities may be recruited directly or indirectly into illicit activities, particularly in unregulated areas near scam center compounds. The use of children in these schemes poses significant challenges for their safety, education, and well-being, and represents a critical area for intervention.

ILAB seeks to collect insights into various aspects of this issue, including the types of scams where children may be involved, factors contributing to their vulnerability, and the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in addressing these crimes. The RFI also requests information on promising practices, strategies for preventing child exploitation, and opportunities for research, policy, and collaboration.

Responses to the RFI should be concise and submitted electronically by January 15, 2025. Submissions must include a cover letter with relevant organizational information and adhere to specific formatting guidelines. Feedback will not be returned, and participation does not influence eligibility for potential future funding opportunities.

This effort underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to combat trafficking and exploitation in online scams, emphasizing the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, stronger legal enforcement, and innovative interventions to protect vulnerable populations in Southeast Asia.