31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Human Trafficking
Ms. Anne Basham highlights that human trafficking is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a major global security threat fueled by corruption, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks. She explains that trafficking increasingly involves forced labor in cyber scam operations, particularly in Southeast Asia, where victims are lured by fake job offers, trapped, and forced to commit online fraud.
She emphasizes that human trafficking thrives in environments of weak governance, corruption, conflict, and economic instability, making it deeply connected to national and international security. She defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for profit, noting it is a highly profitable and fast-growing criminal enterprise generating over $236 billion annually.
She also stresses the growing role of technology and digital platforms, which traffickers use for recruitment, exploitation, and financial transactions, linking trafficking directly to cybercrime and global criminal ecosystems. Basham highlights that trafficking funds other crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
She concludes that governments must strengthen laws, support survivors, and improve international cooperation. She points to initiatives such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIP) policy library, which helps lawmakers access effective legislation, and emphasizes that strong policy action is essential to reduce trafficking, protect victims, and enhance global security.
