The Global Security Threat Posed by Southeast Asia’s Criminal Enclaves

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In the past two years, transnational crime syndicates have rapidly metastasized throughout Southeast Asia, luring job seekers to the region with lucrative promises only to force them to work in advanced online scams or illegal gambling activities. These transnational crime syndicates are embedded within — and protected by — powerful networks of businesses, corrupt officials and local armed actors with vested interests, allowing them to operate unhindered. So far, they have targeted victims in more than 40 countries, including the United States. The danger that these transnational criminal networks pose to regional and global security warrants serious attention and requires a robust response.

On July 18, USIP hosted experts from the region for a conversation on cyber-enabled transnational crime in Southeast Asia. The discussion examined the connection between human trafficking and cybercrime, explored linkages to regional criminal networks, and assessed the peace and security threats to the region, the United States, and the world.

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Speakers:

Jason Tower

Country Director, Burma, U.S. Institute of Peace

Jacob Sims

Senior Technical Advisor on Forced Criminality, International Justice Mission

Alvin Camba

Assistant Professor, Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Cindy Dyer

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP