NATIONAL ANTI HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE FACILITATES UNODC CONSULTATION ON CYBER SCAM-RELATED HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Colombo, 9 April 2026 - The Coordination Committee of the National Anti Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) facilitated a consultation meeting today at the Task Force Secretariat with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for South Asia, addressing the intersection of cyber scam operations and trafficking in persons.

The consultation forms part of a UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime regional initiative to strengthen understanding and responses to trafficking for forced criminality, particularly in cyber-enabled scam operations, which represent an emerging and complex global challenge.

The session was facilitated with Dr. Marika McAdam, International Consultant to UNODC, to gather insights on national responses to this form of exploitation.

Discussions examined the growing use of deceptive online recruitment methods, including fraudulent job advertisements and social media platforms, which place victims at risk of exploitation in cyber scam operations. Key topics addressed included victim identification, challenges in assisting foreign victims particularly language translation needs, the application of the non-punishment principle, emerging trafficking trends, ongoing research initiatives, international cooperation, and existing vulnerabilities.

Participants shared perspectives on Sri Lanka’s legal and institutional responses, investigative practices, and protection measures for victims of trafficking linked to cyber scam operations. The session highlighted the complexities of addressing cross-border cyber scam operations that rely heavily on digital infrastructure.

The consultation underscored the importance of strengthened international collaboration, enhanced technical capacity, and increased awareness to effectively respond to this evolving form of human trafficking.

Insights gathered during the consultation will contribute to ongoing research and inform strategic, policy, and operational recommendations under UNODC’s regional initiative. Findings are expected to be further reviewed at a validation workshop scheduled for June 2026.

The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing human trafficking in all its forms, with particular attention to the growing threat posed by cyber scam-related exploitation.