Trapped in a Cambodian scam factory

<p>Earlier this year, authorities found something extraordinary inside a Cambodian scam compound: a fake Australian Federal Police office.</p> <p>There were Australian flags, AFP-style logos, and desks staged to look official &ndash; all part of a six-storey compound used by scammers impersonating police forces from around the world.</p> <p>It was a reminder that the scam messages Australians receive are often connected to a far more sophisticated and exploitative criminal industry.</p> <p>New figures show Australians reported more than $2 billion in scam losses last year, and a recent UN report has detailed how people are trafficked into scam centres, held against their will, and forced to target strangers online.</p> <p>In early 2024, Ben and his wife were kidnapped and trapped inside one of these Cambodian scam factories. This is the story of how they escaped &ndash; and why so many others can&rsquo;t.</p> <p>This episode was originally published in March 2025.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Ben Yeo, ambassador for the Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance (AICSA)</p> <p><strong>Photo:&nbsp;</strong>AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>