Support Human Trafficking - Prevention film

Below is the text from an appeal from Matt Friedman at the Mekong Club.  This project is designed to prevent human trafficking into scam centers.  TRAGAST is working to help fund this extremely important project.  Make a Direct Donation or make a pledge by sending an email to treasurer@tragast.org  Take Action Today!

Introduction:

In the hidden world of the human trafficking scam trade, ruthless criminals destroy countless lives. Our mission is clear: use a short film to help overseas job seekers protect themselves from becoming victims of modern-day slavery. Time is of the essence; every day allows this trade to continue and innocent lives to be trapped. Join us in preventing people from becoming victims of human trafficking into scam centres through a short film, and together, we can shine a light on this issue, arming job seekers with the knowledge they need to stay safe.

The Problem:

The situation is complex: hundreds of thousands of people from handfuls of nationalities have been forced into online criminal activities. While some countries are trying to address this issue, criminals adapt, change locations, and upgrade their operations and techniques to avoid identification. There are two types of victims here. First, there are people who have lost money and suffered shame from falling for online scams. Second, there are hundreds of thousands who are forced to work in these scam centres, enduring terrible treatment and human rights violations, such as restriction of movement, physical and sexual violence, debt bondage, and being openly sold between enslavers on online platforms. We focus on the second group—victims of trafficking. They are often well-educated English-speaking professionals and students looking for overseas job opportunities. Our approach addresses the root causes, stops impunity, and prevents more people from being coerced into this heinous crime.

Campaign Story:

A year and a half ago, a horrifying crime was discovered in two Southeast Asian countries. Not much was said publicly as it did not come across as a threat, nor was there much information or figures. By June this year, the problem had grown, and The Mekong Club joined forces with organizations worldwide to address it. Now, as we approach 2024, these criminal operations are spreading to other continents, run by African Warlords and Mexican cartels, among other criminal networks. These criminals are using advanced technology to stay ahead, making it difficult for governments, law enforcement, and nonprofits to fight back. As a global community, we can raise awareness to protect people from falling victim to human trafficking through fake job offers. Together, we can make a difference.

Mission and Goals:

Our mission is to create a powerful short film that sheds light on the harrowing human trafficking scam trade, with a focus on the victims coerced into working in scam centres. This film aims to educate working professionals and students about the risks associated with accepting overseas work and elevate awareness of this pressing issue. By supporting our campaign with a goal of US $20,000, you can help us produce a film that will not only expose the brutality of modern slavery within these scam operations but also contribute to global efforts to prevent others from falling victim to this heinous crime. Our mission is driven by a shared commitment to protect more people from being deceived into exploitative schemes.

An Urgent Crisis:

The grim realities of the number of human trafficking victims in scam centres are growing by the thousands every month. Numerous people from various other countries remain ensnared in deceptive establishments located in Cambodia and Myanmar, where they endure unspeakable forms of mistreatment. The pressing need to prevent additional individuals from falling prey to human trafficking cannot be emphasized enough, as the perpetrators behind these operations continually develop more sophisticated methods to evade detection and legal consequences.

The Solution:

Funds raised for this short film will help hundreds of thousands of job seekers recognize and avoid these criminal networks, potentially saving thousands, if not millions, from falling into the trap of human trafficking. 

Call to Action:

This is a call for help. We must join hands to address the grave issue of human trafficking into scam centres. Your support isn't just appreciated; it's a lifeline that can prevent countless innocent victims from falling for fake job offers and enduring unimaginable suffering. Together, we have the power to make a real difference. 

We are thrilled to announce that a generous private donor will match every dollar, up to US $10,000, for this crowdfunding campaign. Your contribution will now have double the impact. Please consider donating today to help us reach our goal. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission.