This “Scam Cities” phenomenon involves up to 200,000 individuals who are effectively enslaved by Chinese criminal networks— operating in collusion with local mafias and/or local authorities—and forced to work 12 to 14 hours a day deceiving internet users through online gambling schemes or fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
While this phenomenon is relatively well-known in China and the United States, it remains largely unrecognised in Europe. In Phase One, the team has spent a year investigating this issue in Asia and tracing its potential ramifications within Europe. Comprised of Monika Bulaj, Emanuele Giordana, and Nicola Bellucci, the team now assessing the ongoing spread of the phenomenon, return to Scam Cities to document the rapidly evolving situation, and expose this new form of modern slavery— including direct testimonies from those who have managed to escape these criminal compounds. The systematic violation of human rights is a major aggravating factor in these criminal activities.
The team consulted with police officials, academics and researchers to assess the extent of the penetration of online scam operations in Europe.
Copyright: Monika Bulaj
