The "Scam Cities" phenomenon is a serious issue that involves up to 200,000 individuals who are effectively enslaved by Chinese criminal networks. These networks operate in collusion with local mafias and/or local authorities, and the victims are 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. The team, comprising Monika Bulaj, Emanuele Giordana and Nicola Bellucci, is currently assessing the ongoing spread of the phenomenon. They are returning to Scam Cities to document the rapidly evolving situation and expose this new form of modern slavery. This will include 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 liaised with police officials, academics and researchers to evaluate the scale of online scam operations in Europe.
Photo: © Monika Bulaj
