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Human trafficking

Human trafficking
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Human trafficking. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
This undated photo shows Chen Zhi (centre), who is accused of running a crime network from Cambodia, amid his extradition to China. Photo: Handout
Scams and swindles

Editorial | Regional cooperation led to arrest of alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi

The cross-border nature of his alleged criminal network required governments and law enforcement agencies to work together.

The Philippines

Philippine police arrest teenager over alleged online baby sale as cases rise

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Britain

Mobile seizure powers launch in UK crackdown on people smugglers

Myanmar

Asian Angle | How uneven borders fuel Myanmar’s vast and resilient scam economy

Fieldwork along the borders of China and Thailand reveals how uneven controls allow fraud networks to thrive despite crackdowns.

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Advertisements for gambling sites and what appears to be Starlink satellite dishes on the roofs of buildings at the notorious KK Park complex in Myanmar’s eastern Myawaddy township, as pictured from Mae Sot district in Thailand’s border province of Tak, on September 17. Photo: AFP
Nepal

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

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Trending in China

‘Can’t buy true love’: Chinese man abducted as child returns to birth family after reunion

Now 26, man says he ‘feels a deep sense of belonging’ after being reunited; works as volunteer with group who help find missing children.

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Sexual harassment and assault

Trump’s Justice Department says may have found a million more Epstein files

After missing the deadline for releasing Epstein-related records, the US Justice Department says it may need a ‘few more weeks’.

A protester holds a sign related to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein case files outside the US Capitol in Washington in November. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

Trump flew on Epstein jet 8 times in the 1990s, according to prosecutor email

US government releases nearly 30,000 pages of additional records from the Epstein files, some which contain multiple Trump references.

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Jeffrey Epstein

Schumer urges US Senate legal action over staggered Epstein files release

Senate minority leader called the incremental and heavily redacted release of records ‘a blatant cover-up’.

United States

US Justice Department denies cover-up as Trump photo restored to Epstein files

Officials backtrack on removing an image showing several photos including the US president with women after omission comes under scrutiny.

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Newly-released documents from disgraced late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including a sheaf of entirely redacted pages. Photo: Reuters
Sexual harassment and assault

At least 16 files gone from Epstein release site, including 1 with Trump photo

The missing documents were originally available but no longer accessible a day later, with no reason given.

The releases so far have been heavy on images of Jeffrey Epstein’s homes in New York and the US Virgin Islands, with some photos of celebrities and politicians. Photo: AFP
Sexual harassment and assault

Epstein victims angry over gaps and censorship in long-awaited file release

Survivors wonder if the redactions and blackouts are there to protect them or the ‘elite men’ who associated with the sex offender.

Malaysia

31 Malaysians repatriated from Myanmar job scam syndicate

The job scam victims rescued from a Myawaddy job syndicate return home safely after intensive diplomatic negotiations and a 26-hour land journey.

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Britain

Starmer pressured to intercept Andrew Tate in Dubai over UK rape charges

The self-described misogynist will appear at a Dubai boxing match this weekend, while facing civil action in the UK from four women alleging assault and rape.

Andrew Tate leaves the Bucharest Tribunal in Romania in February 2024. Photo: AP
Sexual harassment and assault

Epstein files release highlights Clinton, makes scant reference to Trump

Few photos of the US president or documents mentioning him appear, a notable difference from previous batches of files made public.

Former US President Bill Clinton stands with Jeffrey Epstein in this image released on Friday. Photo: US Department of Justice via Reuters
United States

Trump Justice Department releases partial set of Epstein files for now

US official says more of the long-awaited documents will follow in coming months, citing legal limits to protect victims and investigations.

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Sexual harassment and assault

New Epstein photos show Lolita quotes written on woman’s foot and body

Another set of images from the disgraced US financier’s estate has been made public, as the deadline for release of the Epstein files looms.

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United States

Trump, Clinton and ex-prince Andrew seen in new photos from Epstein’s estate

Larry Summers and Bill Gates also appear, as well as sex toys, and a condom emblazoned with both Trump’s image and the phrase ‘I’M HUUUGE!’.

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This image showing Donald Trump (left) with Jeffrey Epstein (second left) was among the pictures released on Friday. Photo: House Oversight Committee
The Philippines

Philippines denies ex-mayor Alice Guo has received special treatment in prison

Officials refuted reports that Guo, who recently began serving a life sentence, possessed a phone and had received unauthorised visitors.

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United States

Epstein files to be unsealed under new Trump-signed law

The transcripts to be unsealed could reveal new details in the sex trafficking case and Ghislaine Maxwell’s role.

United States

Judge approves release of Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking case records

The ruling follows Trump signing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring the Justice Department make records public by December 19.

Jeffrey Epstein (left) is pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell in an undated picture. Photo: TNS
Nepal

‘Like a market’: Chinese marriage brokers hunt for brides in Nepal

China’s bachelor crisis meets Nepal’s poverty in a trade that blurs the lines between arranged marriage and coercion.

A screenshot of a WeChat account that posts videos of Nepali girls and hosts live streams. Photo: Handout
Thailand

‘Everyone gets a cut’: why Southeast Asia’s scam industry refuses to die

Authorities are seizing assets and raiding compounds, but analysts warn the clumsy crackdown is merely scattering syndicates to new hideouts.

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Trending in China

China hiker wears clothing tag to support missing children and expand search

Brand’s owner says that tags featuring information about missing children have been part of their public welfare initiative for four years.

Sexual harassment and assault

Photos of Epstein’s notorious private island released by US Democrats

The luxury Caribbean hideout is where the convicted sex offender allegedly forced underage girls into sex with powerful men.

A drone view shows a pool on Little St James, a small private island formerly owned by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Photo: Reuters
Europe’s refugee crisis

Illegal migrants to UK face clothing and mouth searches for phones, SIM cards

The Home Office says the new powers are needed to gather intelligence quickly on criminal gangs suspected of smuggling migrants.

An officer helps a woman after a group was picked up attempting to cross the English Channel from France in 2023. Photo: AFP
Trending in China

Survivor of child trafficking in China becomes multimillionaire; inspires public

Her adoptive parents were never abusive, but Zeng felt a persistent disconnect; in school, classmates labelled her ‘the picked-up child’.

Myanmar

Political show? Why Myanmar is again cracking down on cyber scammers

Myanmar’s junta has been under pressure to raid fraud hubs by China as its citizens have been badly affected by these scammers, analysts say.

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