NGO slams ‘sweeping’ claims that 90% of trafficking victims are fraudsters
UTRAJAYA: An NGO has voiced disagreement with a statement by the police that 90% of purported Malaysian human trafficking victims are criminals involved in fraud syndicates.
Calling it a “very sweeping statement”, Global Alms CEO Mechelle Moore said while some victims may initially be drawn to work with syndicates involved in scams, many were ultimately exploited or victims of trafficking.
“If they (police) are identifying them as perpetrators or willing scammers, so be it, but I know many Malaysians who may go in as willing scammers only to become victims of trafficking.
“They’re brutalised, locked up and have their passports taken from them. They are transported elsewhere without their consent and find they’re unable to leave,” she said at a forum today organised by Asia Freedom Network.
Moore said the statement reflected a “personal bias” by the government and called for a shift in how trafficking victims are viewed by society.