Filipino victims of human trafficking were forced to work as online scammers targeting Japanese nationals in Cambodia, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said in a warning issued on Thursday.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned the public on a scheme involving Filipinos being trafficked abroad to work as online scammers victimizing Japanese.

The warning was issued following the repatriation of a trafficking victim who left the country through an illegal migration corridor or what is commonly known as backdoor, on board a boat from Tawi-Tawi.

The victim was then trafficked across several countries including Malaysia, Brunei, Bangkok, and Laos before ending up in Myanmar and Cambodia.

"Initially hired as a Japanese translator, he was later forced to work in crypto-related scam operations that specifically targeted Japanese individuals. Despite promises of regular pay, he received only a one-time salary of USD 2,500," the BI said.

Viado said the case revealed "a disturbing new trend where trafficked Filipinos are forced to be part of syndicates and are used to deceive foreign nationals online."

“We are now seeing victims being exploited not only as targets, but also as tools in these international scam operations,” he added.

“We remind the public, especially those seeking overseas jobs, to avoid unauthorized travel routes and to be cautious of offers that sound too good to be true. Always consult with the Department of Migrant Workers and verify job offers through proper channels," he added.

The BI noted that "the authorities are now investigating the recruitment network involved to hold the perpetrators accountable."

A total of 26 Filipino victims were rescued with the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia were repatriated and arrived in the country last April 16 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Phnom Penh.

BI records show that 25 of those repatriated left in the guise of being regular tourists, but admitted upon repatriation that they were recruited using social messaging app Telegram and Facebook.

"They were promised 900-1000 US dollars monthly salary to work as customer service representatives, but ended up underpaid and forced to work as scammers," it stated.

"Victims recounted how they were given a quota to scam two Filipino-Americans per day, and if they were not able to meet the said quota, they would be punished physically by their employers," the bureau added.

One of the victims also "shared that he was recruited by a foreign national and instructed to exit the Philippines through a small boat in Tawi-Tawi bound for Malaysia." Robina Asido/DMS