The "Inflection Point" report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides an in-depth examination of the rising threat posed by transnational organized crime in Southeast Asia, particularly focusing on cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, and underground banking. Alongside the ongoing increase in synthetic drug production, the region has seen an alarming rise in cybercrime, which has transformed the landscape of organized crime.

The emergence of industrial-scale scam centers, which have generated billions of dollars through fraudulent online activities, is one of the key trends observed in recent years. These criminal groups have exploited gaps in governance and used advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes to scale up their operations and enhance their fraud tactics.

As a pioneering non-profit organization in combating cybercrime and human trafficking in Vietnam, Chongluadao first provided their research to contribute to the UNODC report in October 2024. By April 2025, Chongluadao continued to contribute to the UNODC report on the Global Consequences of Fraud Centers, Underground Banks and Illegal Online Markets in Southeast Asia.

Key data highlighs

The report underscores the immense scale of cybercrime in Southeast Asia, revealing that transnational crime groups have established industrial-scale scam centers, particularly focused on cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering. These criminal syndicates have not only flourished in the region but have expanded their operations globally, forming strategic alliances with other international criminal networks.

In 2023, Southeast Asia alone reported an estimated loss of $37 billion due to cyber-enabled fraud, with "pig butchering" schemes being the most prevalent. The rise of illicit online marketplaces has further amplified this problem, complicating efforts to track and dismantle these operations. These marketplaces, controlled by criminal networks, facilitate the sale of stolen data, hacking tools, and money laundering services, all of which contribute to the growing criminal economy.

Significant Contributions of Chongluadao

In the face of these growing threats, organizations like Chongluadao have played a crucial role in identifying, investigating, and disrupting online fraud operations across Southeast Asia. Chongluadao has been at the forefront of efforts to combat online scams, providing valuable information that has helped regional law enforcement agencies and international partners respond more effectively. Their direct involvement in intelligence gathering and providing timely, actionable data has been instrumental in raising awareness about the scale of the problem and the rapidly evolving tactics used by cybercriminals.

What sets Chongluadao apart is not only its detection capabilities but also its active participation in regional and international collaborations. By working closely with other organizations, law enforcement, and cybersecurity experts, Chongluadao has helped build a stronger response framework for tackling online fraud. Their contributions have been especially valuable in regions with weak governance structures, such as special economic zones and border areas, where criminal activities are often more difficult to detect and prevent.

Beyond providing critical information on fraud networks, Chongluadao has played a significant role in advocating for policy improvements, enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, and helping strengthen anti-money laundering efforts across the region. Their advocacy and technical support have been instrumental in pushing for systemic changes in countries facing challenges in combating transnational crime.

Full report: https://www.unodc.org/roseap/uploads/documents/Publications/2025/Inflection_Point_2025.pdf