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Pig butchering scam targeting Australians as AFP warns lonely hearts to be wary this Valentine’s Day
Source: Australian Federal Police.
Startling statistics reveal that Australians lost up to $4,500 every hour to romance scammers in 2022 and up to $3,800 in 2023. Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Goldsmid is releasing disturbing details from a seized ‘pig butchering scam’ manual. The manual outlines the manipulative methods scammers use to groom victims over months or years – lavishing them with attention before manipulating them into “investing” in fake platforms and handing over increasingly large sums. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the AFP warns of these sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable people. Discover the deceptive tactics employed and learn how to protect yourself and others from these expensive deceptions.
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Human Trafficking Hot Spots
Source: Thomson Reuters.
Conflict breeds suffering and fuels the vile trade of human trafficking. Post Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Thomson Reuters data reveals a 200-600% surge in searches for sex, pornography, and Ukrainian women. This grim reality exposes war-torn regions like Ukraine and Gaza as hunting grounds for traffickers, targeting vulnerable refugees, especially women and children. Yet, a ray of hope emerges as organisations employ technology, intelligence sharing, and awareness campaigns to combat this grave issue. Join us to uncover the problem and promising solutions in this critical exploration. Click here to read more.
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Unmasking ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams: A Global Alert
Source: BNN Breaking.
Reported losses from investment scams in the US reached a staggering $3.31 billion in 2022 alone. Known as “pig butchering”, these sophisticated romance fraud schemes deliberately target even cautious individuals by first grooming them online before manipulating them into investing in fraudulent platforms. Underlying many of these global financial crimes is also the grim reality of human trafficking. Uncover the anatomy of these scams through real victim stories by clicking here.
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Australia implements new anti-exploitation policy for victims of forced marriage
Source: JURIST Legal News & Research Services, Inc.
Australia is taking a stand against modern slavery by implementing a groundbreaking new policy to support victims of forced marriage. The $12.1 million initiative will provide up to 200 days of holistic assistance to help survivors without requiring their involvement in legal cases. Financial aid, health care, counseling and community support are now accessible to prevent forced unions and address this abuse of power. Click here to find out how Australia is fighting to eliminate modern slavery from its society.
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Long-Awaited Guidance Released On Canada’s New Modern Slavery Legislation And Its Reporting Requirements
Source: Mondaq.
Public Safety Canada has issued guidance on Canada’s new supply chain due diligence law combatting forced and child labour. Effective January 2024, the legislation aims to increase supply chain due diligence for caused and child labour. However, companies must also complete a detailed online questionnaire with their reports – an extra hoop not required in other countries’ frameworks. Proper analysis of the guidance and lengthy questionnaire is necessary to navigate new reporting requirements under this significant legislation. Read the full article to learn more about navigating compliance as the deadline approaches.
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EU Agrees on Forced Labour, Environmental Harm Disclosures for Companies
Source: Business of Fashion.
In a major step forward for sustainability, the EU has agreed on new rules requiring large companies to identify and address human rights abuses and environmental damage in their supply chains. Under the landmark corporate due diligence law, firms will need to take action if they find issues like child labour or climate impacts. While financial institutions received a temporary exemption for clients, they will still face strengthened obligations to curb emissions. The deal marks a shift toward fast-tracking alignment with the Paris Agreement and holding brands accountable for harms. Click here to learn more about the new rules.
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For Trafficking Victims Forced to Scam Others, the Nightmare Continues Even After Escape
Source: TIME.
TIME profiles survivors of the lucrative “pig butchering” scam industry. The piece reveals harrowing details from those directly impacted, including 26-year-old man who was severely beaten after being trafficked to Myanmar. Also featured is Abduss Salam, formerly forced to aid such schemes in Cambodia but now helping others trapped abroad. Through their compelling first-hand accounts, the piece illuminates the profound human toll of this form of modern-day slavery. Keep reading and discover how survivors continue facing struggles long after escape, as well as efforts to combat this vast global criminal enterprise.
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How “pig butchering” scams have emerged as a billion-dollar crypto industry
Source: Thomson Reuters.
Crypto “pig butchering” scams have cost victims billions, but the shadowy figures behind them have remained nameless – until now. A major Reuters exposé has uncovered new details, tracing over $90 million stolen from these scams to a single Thai man’s Binance account. The investigation revealed an elaborate money laundering scheme, with funds layered through dozens of wallets in an attempt to hide their illegitimate source. While regulators have seized some assets, prosecuting these global criminal syndicates remains difficult. Click here to unravel the complex web of this billion-dollar underground industry.
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Navigating the Complex Relationship between ESG and Supply Chains
Source: Latin Lawyer.
Discover practical tips for developing robust supply chain strategies in the face of evolving ESG expectations and increasing regulatory oversight. From longstanding human rights due diligence laws in Europe to emerging regulations like the EU’s Deforestation Regulation, this article navigates the complex landscape of compliance obligations. Regulators are now focusing on disclosure frameworks, greenhouse gas emissions, and natural capital impacts, with import prohibitions as potential consequences. Latin American suppliers must proactively map obligations, strengthen controls, and collaborate with customers to capitalize on compliance opportunities. Click here to explore valuable insights for navigating these turbulent times and building resilient supply chains.
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The people targeting you with cyberscams may themselves be victims of slavery
Source: The Guardian.
The surge in online scams demands attention, but it’s alarming to discover that the perpetrators themselves may be victims of modern slavery. In southeast Asia, hundreds of thousands are forced into cyber scam operations, trapped in high-security compounds, and subjected to torture and exploitation. With an estimated 220,000 people enslaved in these scamming enterprises, reporting these crimes becomes crucial to expose the hidden world of modern slavery and urge governments to take action. As we protect ourselves from scams, let’s not forget the victims ensnared in this dark web of human trafficking. Click here to learn more about this pressing issue.
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Online investment scams in Hong Kong reach all-time high as police warn about fraudsters impersonating stock commentators, celebrities in sham chat groups
Source: South China Morning Post.
Hong Kong is grappling with an unprecedented surge in online investment scams, as fraudsters resort to impersonating stock commentators and celebrities in sham chat groups. Police have issued warnings as losses from over 3,500 cases reached HK$2.1 billion. One victim alone lost HK$490,000 after joining a Facebook chat group that promised investment tips from renowned stock commentators. The scams prey on victims who initially see returns but are later deceived into paying exorbitant fees or discovering that the platform is non-operational. With the number of reported cases surpassing previous years, urgent vigilance and education are needed to combat this escalating issue. Keep reading to learn more.
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Your seafood was probably produced by modern slaves, bombshell report on ‘widespread human rights crisis’ finds
Source: Fortune Media.
A new report uncovers alarming human rights abuses and slavery-like conditions experienced by many of the workers who catch the seafood that ends up on our dinner plates. Through an investigation into global fishing vessel records, researchers identified nearly 500 ships where tens of thousands of labourers face hazardous forced labour annually. The study highlights the challenges of identifying the culprits due to a lack of transparency and regulatory oversight. China, Russia, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Korea are among the countries implicated in mistreating fishers. Urgent action is needed to address this alarming issue, including enhanced ownership transparency and more robust regulations. Click here to learn more about the report’s findings.