Chinese-origin Scam Syndicates Reach into South Asia
Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime | Much of the global effort to crack down on the scam industry focuses on Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. However, the Chinese-origin syndicates behind these operations are moving into additional regions to increase their reach and diversify their locations. In particular, South Asia is seeing a significant increase in trafficking, forced criminality, and scam operations in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Research from Jason Tower and Radha Barooah at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime examines the convergence between groups in Southeast Asia and criminal activity in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The patterns are similar across all three countries. The report looks at each country to outline and review:
Development of cyber scams and online fraud
Local regulatory frameworks and policy responses
Court and police records and media reports
Key points from the report
Collaboration is increasing between criminal groups operating in China and those in South Asia, particularly since international pressure on Southeast Asian operations increased in late 2025.
Recruitment and trafficking networks in both regions are collaborating to bring people into South Asia.
Criminal organizations are taking advantage of the lack of cooperation between law enforcement and regulatory authorities in the region.
Sri Lanka is particularly at risk due to regulatory gaps.
Get the report: Criminal Convergence? Chinese-origin scam syndicates and their reach into South Asia
