TOPIC

Human trafficking

Human trafficking
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Human trafficking. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Italy’s deputy PM Matteo Salvini talks to the press as he arrives at the Bunker Courtroom in Palermo, Sicily, on Friday. Photo: AFP
Italy

Italian deputy PM Salvini acquitted of migrant kidnapping charges

The right-wing leader had blocked a boat carrying over 100 asylum seekers from docking as part of a policy to curb irregular arrivals.

Japan

‘Modern slavery’: the dark truths behind Japan’s foreign trainee scheme

videocam
4
The Philippines

Hopes high Mary Jane Veloso will get clemency upon her return to Philippines

videocam
Women and gender

Opinion | Chiung Yao’s celebration of women’s freedom goes deeper than her paeans to love

As Chinese women embrace feminism, the writer’s final celebration of her independence perhaps resonates more deeply than her love stories.

videocam
Taiwanese romance novelist Chiung Yao, who died at the age of 86, after reportedly committing suicide at her home in New Taipei City on December 4. Photo: Weibo/ 会火
The Philippines

‘Stranger than fiction’: how Alice Guo’s case grips Filipinos

The case of former mayor Alice Guo has exposed weaknesses of local agencies in dealing with security gaps linked to Chinese crime syndicates.

videocam
4
Trending in China

China abductee declines flats and car from birth family to avoid altering ‘mindset’

Man tells father he just needs a flat for his future marital home with girlfriend.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Women and gender

Years after mentally ill woman went missing, man held on suspicion of rape

‘Zhang knew Bu had a mental illness but still had sexual relations with her and had children,’ say local authorities.

videocam
A 45-year-old Shanxi province woman has been reunited with her family after going missing 13 years ago. A man has been charged with rape, as officials allege she was taken to his home and had his children. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Philippine gambling revenue to hit record US$6 billion, despite Pogo crackdown

This year’s record revenue comes despite a crackdown on offshore gambling operators, known as Pogos, which have been linked to criminal activity.

videocam
Wellness

She’s told sex trafficking victims’ stories. Now she’s telling her own

Hong Kong-based Sylvia Yu has given voice to sex trafficking victims for years. In her new memoir she inspires young women to be ‘fearless’.

videocam
Indonesia

Indonesia to repatriate death-row convict to the Philippines

The move comes after years of international pressure, particularly from human rights groups and the Philippine government.

Cesar and Celia Veloso, parents of Mary Jane Veloso, join a protest rally to mark the 161th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, widely considered a national hero in Philippine history, in Manila. Photo: EPA-EFE
France

France smashes South Asian migrant trafficking ring, 26 arrested

Traffickers are suspected of having smuggled several thousand people from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal into France.

In December 2023, a plane carrying hundreds of Indian passengers was grounded for days at Vatry airport east of Paris over concerns it was part of a human trafficking scheme. File photo: AP
The Philippines

Philippine crackdown on Pogos sparks fears of underground scams and espionage

The crackdown on scams and human trafficking may push the industry underground, fostering more sophisticated crimes like espionage and disinformation.

videocam
Malaysia

‘Don’t have a choice’: Rohingya child brides trapped in Malaysia’s refugee crisis

Rohingya girls as young as 12 are being forced into marriage in Malaysia, escaping dire conditions in Bangladesh refugee camp.

videocam
United States

2 men convicted after Indian family froze to death at Canada-US border

Harshkumar Patel and Steve Shand took part in a scheme to bring Jagdish Patel, his wife and 2 children into the US during a blizzard.

Jagdish and Vaishaliben Patel, are seen with their children, Dharmik, 3, and Vihangi, 11. Photo: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Manitoba via TNS
European Union

Will Andrew Tate’s human trafficking trial collapse after evidence removal?

A Romanian court found flaws in the indictment, giving prosecutors five days to decide whether to proceed with the trial or withdraw the case.

Social media influencer Andrew Tate is seen near the French Embassy in Bucharest, Romania on July 28. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

US House speaker opposes call to release ethics report on Trump’s AG pick Gaetz

Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, has been investigated for sexual misconduct, misuse of campaign funds and illicit drug use.

videocam
South Korea

Rohingya smugglers deported from South Korea to Thailand after 5-year manhunt

The arrests expose the human trafficking crisis in Thailand, and the need for better protections for Rohingya refugees.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Trending in China

China abductee reunites with family after 34 years, splits again over money row

Reunited biological family rake in cash by telling kidnap story in live-streaming session then fall out over how much money it earned.

A man in China who was abducted 34 years ago, was reunited with his birth family then promptly fell out with them over money. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Sohu
Malaysia

‘Our daughters are not safe’: anxiety in Malaysia after multiple girls go missing

Police say seven girls have been reported missing over the past five months, with some feared kidnapped.

videocam
The Philippines

Harry Roque: from Philippine presidential aide to human trafficking suspect

Roque’s alleged links to Pogos and growing legal troubles could affect the Dutertes given his close association with them, analysts say.

videocam
Indonesia

6 dead as dozens of Rohingya refugees ‘stranded’ in Indonesia by traffickers

The Incident underscores the ongoing crisis faced by the Rohingya, who are fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

videocam
Rohingya Muslims sit in a rescue boat as they are transferred to land from their boat that has been anchored in the waters off Labuan Haji, Aceh province, Indonesia, on October 24. Photo: AP/File
Indonesia

He left Indonesia seeking opportunity in the UK, but found only debt and despair

‘Budi’ is bringing a case against the UK Home Office, claiming his seasonal worker experience made him a victim of human trafficking.

Fearing the repercussions of returning to Indonesia without being able to repay his debts, Budi decided to challenge the UK Home Office, describing himself as a victim of human trafficking and modern slavery. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

22 people from Malaysian cult group linked to child sex abuse to fight charges

All of the accused have pleaded not guilty to charges of being members of an organised crime group.

Sexual harassment and assault

Ex-Abercrombie CEO charged with trafficking male models for sex parties

Jeffries, his partner and their fixer allegedly used a ‘casting couch’ ploy to groom victims, who were given Viagra, other drugs.

4
Trending in China

China child kidnap victim recalls real identity through mother’s voice in dreams

Court hears that both biological parents of victim passed away after fruitless, year-long search for their missing daughter.

A Chinese woman who was abducted as a child has told of her harrowing role in one of the worst serial abduction cases on the mainland in recent years. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
The Philippines

Will arrest of Pogo ‘kingpin’ in the Philippines expose wider web of corruption?

Authorities say Lyu Dong established a ‘a network of scam farms’, including a Pogo facility in the town where Guo formerly served as mayor.

Authorities have described Lyu Dong, who was arrested on Thursday, as the “kingpin” of Pogos in the country. Photo: Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)
The Philippines

Apollo Quiboloy Senate bid tests religion’s ‘unholy’ grip on Philippine politics

As his legal troubles mount, the Duterte-linked pastor’s candidacy blurs the lines between religious influence and political power.

Cambodia

Pregnant Filipino women arrested in Cambodia for surrogacy could be jailed

Cambodian authorities said the women were charged under the country’s laws against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement