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ABUJA — The Asylum and Refugees Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA), also known as the Asylum and Refugees Rights Advocates, has called for a coordinated global response to the growing menace of human trafficking facilitated through online scam networks, warning that thousands of victims are being exploited through sophisticated cyber-enabled criminal enterprises disguised as legitimate employment opportunities.

The advocacy group made the appeal in a statement marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, urging governments, international organisations, technology companies, financial institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen collaboration in tackling one of the fastest-evolving forms of modern slavery.

Speaking on the global observance, which is themed “Trapped Behind the Scam,” ARRA’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Okey Ezugwu, said the increasing use of digital technology by trafficking syndicates requires a more coordinated international response that prioritises prevention, victim protection and accountability.

He observed that criminal networks are increasingly exploiting social media platforms, fraudulent recruitment agencies and fake overseas employment offers to lure unsuspecting job seekers, particularly young graduates and migrants, into organised scam compounds across different parts of the world.

According to him, many of the individuals later found participating in online fraud operations are not willing criminals but victims who have been trafficked, deprived of their liberty and compelled to engage in cybercrime under threats, intimidation and violence.

“Traffickers are increasingly adapting to technological advances by exploiting digital platforms and deceptive recruitment schemes to lure unsuspecting people into criminal enterprises. Behind many online scams are victims who have been deceived, trafficked across borders, stripped of their freedom, and forced to participate in illegal activities under threats of violence, torture, or death,” Ezugwu stated.

ARRA warned that the growing convergence between human trafficking and cybercrime presents significant legal, humanitarian and security challenges, stressing that governments must adopt survivor-centred justice systems that distinguish victims from perpetrators.

The Foundation argued that individuals rescued from scam compounds should receive protection, legal assistance, psychosocial support and rehabilitation rather than face criminal prosecution for offences committed while under the control of trafficking syndicates.

It further called for strengthened intelligence sharing among countries, improved cross-border law enforcement cooperation and tighter regulation of online recruitment platforms and digital employment agencies frequently exploited by traffickers.

The organisation also urged governments to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at educating vulnerable populations about emerging trafficking methods and deceptive recruitment practices increasingly deployed by organised criminal groups.

ARRA acknowledged the contributions of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and other international partners working to prevent trafficking, rescue victims and dismantle criminal networks.

However, the Foundation maintained that more investment is required to bridge existing gaps in victim identification, safe repatriation, rehabilitation, economic reintegration and long-term support for survivors.

It also appealed to governments, development partners and philanthropic organisations to expand funding for grassroots civil society organisations providing shelter, counselling, legal representation and reintegration services for trafficking survivors.

The advocacy organisation emphasised that local organisations remain indispensable frontline responders in combating human trafficking despite operating with limited financial and institutional support.

ARRA further called on technology firms, online platforms, recruitment agencies and financial institutions to strengthen due diligence mechanisms and implement safeguards capable of preventing traffickers from exploiting digital ecosystems for recruitment and financial transactions.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants and survivors of trafficking, the Foundation stressed that dismantling transnational trafficking networks requires sustained international cooperation involving governments, multilateral institutions, the private sector and civil society.

It urged stakeholders to move beyond policy declarations by implementing practical measures that strengthen prevention, improve victim protection, enhance survivor rehabilitation and ensure that those responsible for trafficking and exploitation are brought to justice.

“Every survivor deserves protection instead of prosecution, justice instead of exploitation, and dignity instead of discrimination,” Ezugwu said, calling for decisive global action to ensure that no victim remains trapped behind the increasingly sophisticated web of human trafficking and online scams.