1Cambodia
No. 1 — Cambodia. On the lists of 5 of 7 AIs; median place there: 2. Cambodia leads because it has huge, armed scam compounds and loud raid claims, yet survivors are still not recognised as trafficking victims.
Did you know
In September 2026, two US House committee chairmen wrote that Cambodia's scam industry could equal as much as 60% of the country's official economic output. These are estimates from officials and outside groups, not official Cambodian figures.
- What it is
- A country with large scam compounds and big government raid claims.
- Its edge
- Reports far more raids and deportations than Myanmar or Laos.
- Who should know
- Useful for anyone judging whether crackdown numbers mean victims are really protected.
- Crime score and raids624 raids reported
- Founded1953
- HeadquartersCambodia
Why it is here
Amnesty interviewed 73 survivors; it said none had been recognized as a trafficking victim, though it assessed that all met the recognized definition.
History
In 1979, Vietnamese troops took Phnom Penh, ending Khmer Rouge rule. Pol Pot and his forces retreated into the jungle.
Keep in mind
Amnesty's follow-up report says that of 86 compounds it identified, evidence showed direct state action at only 24. None of the 73 survivors it interviewed had been formally recognised as a trafficking victim.
Amnesty's earlier report says rescued people were often held for months in poor immigration detention centres. It says authorities failed to recognise them as victims of human trafficking.
Where to go further
Open Amnesty's press release on Cambodia's crackdown and read how the 73 survivors were treated after escape. Then check how few of the 86 compounds saw state action.
Video: Why Cambodia & Laos Are Absurdly Empty · RealLifeLore
