Cyber scam networks across the Asia Pacific region defrauded victims of more than $88 billion in 2025, according to a new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The report warns that organised crime groups are rapidly expanding their operations, adopting artificial intelligence, and exploiting weak governance to stay ahead of law enforcement agencies.
UNODC estimates that total financial losses from online scams ranged between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion during 2025. The report highlights that these criminal organisations have evolved into highly organised networks with operations stretching across multiple countries and illegal industries.
According to the report, scam syndicates are no longer limited to online fraud. Many now operate like large businesses with specialised teams handling money laundering, human trafficking, data trading, cryptocurrency crimes, and cyber fraud. This interconnected structure allows them to quickly shift operations whenever authorities increase pressure.
Investigators found that people from at least 80 countries and territories have been identified in scam compounds across Southeast Asia. Many are recruited through fake job offers before being forced to participate in fraudulent online activities. Recruitment campaigns have also expanded beyond Asia, targeting individuals with European language skills as criminal groups seek new victims and workers.
UNODC also warned about the growing role of artificial intelligence in cybercrime. While scammers already use AI to create convincing fake messages and identities, experts believe future operations will rely on advanced agentic AI to automatically identify victims, launch sophisticated social engineering attacks, and facilitate cryptocurrency theft and money laundering.
Despite increased crackdowns in countries such as Myanmar and Laos, many criminal groups have simply relocated to regions with weaker oversight, including East Timor, several Pacific Island nations, and parts of Africa.
The UN agency stressed that stronger international cooperation is urgently needed to combat these evolving criminal networks. Without coordinated global action, the rapidly growing cyber scam industry will continue to threaten millions of people and cause billions of dollars in financial losses every year.
