COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Authorities have issued a stark warning over a surge in human trafficking targeting Sri Lankans, with intelligence indicating that more than 50,000 individuals could be lured and transported to cyber scam compounds across Southeast Asia.
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force said criminal networks are using promises of high-paying overseas jobs to entice victims, who are later forced into running online fraud operations. These scam centres, often operating under heavily guarded and isolated conditions, have been linked to widespread financial crimes and severe human rights abuses.
Officials described the situation as “an emerging national security and humanitarian crisis” and urged the public to verify all overseas employment offers through official channels. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating with international partners to intercept trafficking attempts and dismantle recruitment networks.
Sri Lanka has seen a sharp rise in reports of citizens being trapped in such operations, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Victims have described being subjected to physical abuse, threats, and confinement, with passports confiscated to prevent escape.
The Task Force stressed that community awareness is critical in combating the threat. “Every citizen must recognise the signs of trafficking and act early to protect themselves and their loved ones,” an official said.
This warning comes amid a broader regional crackdown on cyber scam syndicates, which have already ensnared thousands from across South and Southeast Asia in recent years.
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