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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.
Pope Leo XIV (centre) meets with a migrant family by the arch of the monument Door of Europe, during a visit to Lampedusa island, Italy, on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Italy

Pope visits Africa-Europe crossing as anti-migrant policies rise in US, EU

The Catholic Church’s first US pope has clashed with the administration of President Donald Trump over its treatment of migrants.

United States

US billionaire Leon Black defends US$158 million paid to Epstein

Thailand

Thailand auctions US$18 million superyacht linked to supersized fraud

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Hong Kong courts

1 year in prison for man who forced 2 Thai women into prostitution in Hong Kong

Gang member Chiu Hon-leung ordered subordinates to lock women in Yau Ma Tei flat in 2023 but was arrested after victims alerted Thai consulate.

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The two Thai women were trafficked to Hong Kong and locked in a flat on Temple Street. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Malaysia

Bangladesh urges Malaysia to ease labour hiring curbs amid exploitation concerns

Both sides seek to ensure that the hiring process for Bangladeshi workers is transparent to protect their interests.

Chen Zhi

Cambodia raids sites linked to Chen Zhi, Chinese tycoon accused of scam empire

82 Chinese nationals among 104 people detained in Phnom Penh raids as governments around the world crack down on Chen’s scam business.

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Thailand

Video | Thailand ends 60-day visa-free stay for tourists

The measure aims to strengthen national security and prevent illegal activities by foreign visitors.

Thailand ends 60-day visa-free stay for tourists
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Crime

Around 10 ‘new’ victims emerge in France’s expanding Epstein probe

Authorities target French perpetrators who facilitated the late American sex offender’s crimes.

Americas and the Caribbean

Arrest warrant reissued for Bolivia ex-president after court no-show

Evo Morales is declared in contempt as prosecutors allege he fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl during his time in office.

Sexual harassment and assault

Purported Epstein suicide note unsealed by US judge

A cellmate of Epstein reportedly found the note following the sex offender’s first alleged suicide attempt in July 2019.

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The purported suicide note. Photo: US District Court for the Southern District of New York via Reuters
France

2 dead after boat runs aground in France in failed crossing to UK

The vessel carried 82 people but ran aground with 65 on board after a French gendarmerie vessel rescued 17.

Migrants walk in the water to board a small boat in an attempt to reach Britain, on November 6 last year, in Gravelines, northern France. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Can Philippines’ new anti-Pogo playbook rein in fast-moving scam hubs?

The new inter-agency rules aim to give investigators a framework tailored to Pogo-linked crime and support a coordinated response.

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Singapore

Man convicted of trafficking Singaporean Tinder date for Dubai sex work

Achraf Arjaouy targeted the victim by pretending to be a wealthy pilot from Qatar who wished to marry her.

China-Latin America relations

BYD made Brazil’s slave labour list. The man behind the decision lost his job

Union said sacking is part of pattern of political meddling in slavery cases.

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BYD vehicles in the production line at the company’s electric vehicle factory at the Industrial Complex in Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil, on February 3, 2026. Photo: Reuters
United States

‘Never been friends’: Melania Trump criticises Epstein ‘lies’ in address

In a rare White House speech, the first lady denied being Epstein’s friend and called on Congress to hold public hearings for his victims.

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US first lady Melania Trump delivers remarks about Jeffrey Epstein at the White House in Washington on Thursday. Photo: AFP
United States

Bondi won’t appear before US lawmakers over Epstein files: Justice Department

The subpoena is no longer valid after Trump fired her as US attorney general, according to an official.

Cambodia

Why Cambodia’s new law may do little to combat its scam centres

Analysts warn the lack of provisions addressing the role officials and networks play in enabling scams may limit the law’s effectiveness.

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Cambodia

Opinion | To beat Cambodia’s scam gangs, US must work with China – not blame it

Taking down the deeply rooted, well-connected syndicates would require both Washington’s economic leverage and Beijing’s operational efforts.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-Latin America relations

Brazil blacklists China EV giant BYD for its slave labour conditions

Government officials said staff were working excessively long hours while being kept in degrading circumstances in their accommodation.

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Middle East

Letters | Iran war can increase vulnerability to human trafficking in Southeast Asia

Readers discuss the impact of the war on already struggling people, and coping with the effects of “blandemic” buildings.

Scams and swindles

Cambodia’s high-stakes war on online scam compounds

Cambodia has vowed to stamp out the scam compounds on its soil by month’s end – but perpetrators remain drawn to the potential for huge profits.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
Trending in China

China woman uses old photo to find brother lured away with bread 33 years ago

Tears flow as 3-decade search finally locates long-lost sibling who was starved, beaten and abused by human traffickers before being adopted.

After their mother died and their father disappeared, a Chinese woman and her brother survived by scavenging until the boy was lured away with bread; the siblings reunited recently after 33 years. Photo: QQ.com
Hong Kong police

‘Like a horror movie’: Hongkonger rescued after Myanmar forced labour ordeal

Security Bureau liaised with Chinese embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, economic and trade office in Bangkok and Thai authorities to rescue man.

United States

Bank of America to pay US$72.5 million to settle Epstein victim lawsuit

The suit claims the bank’s executives ‘ignored red flags’ about Epstein’s sex-trafficking venture to provide him with financial services.

France

France raids bank in probe of diplomat over Epstein links

Investigations follow revelations published in the Epstein files by the US Justice Department.

French investigators have raided the offices of Swiss bank Edmond ​de Rothschild. Photo: AFP
China society

China’s infamous ‘Aunt Mei’ arrested after decade-long hunt for child trafficker

Police identify the woman, surnamed Xie, as the intermediary who brokered the sale of nine children in Guangdong province.

Police sketches of alleged child trafficker Aunt Mei have regularly appeared on Chinese social media since 2017, with state media calling on the public to “remember this face”. Photo: Weibo
European Union

Hundreds die crossing Mediterranean as 2026 already smashes records

At least 655 migrants died or went missing in January and February taking one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.

Crime

US House panel subpoenas Pam Bondi in Epstein probe

US attorney general faces accusations that the Justice Department has concealed the names of Epstein associates in its release of documents.

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