Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545966
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 JULY 2026 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Trapped behind the scam: A growing web of transnational criminal networks WHEN we think about scams, we often imagine anonymous criminals operating behind false pretences and unsus- pecting victims losing money. The reality is very often much more complex and nuanced. Today more than ever, peo- ple are increasingly becom- ing trapped behind elaborate scams. Deception, coercion, false promises, abuse of trust and deliberate manipulation are used to create situations of exploitation and human trafficking. This year's Blue Heart Campaign exposes the human cost behind fake job offers, inviting us to look be- yond stereotypes and place survivors at the centre of the conversation on human traf- ficking for forced criminal ac- tivity. In July, Malta commemo- rates the Blue Heart Cam- paign, led by the United Na- tions Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The overar- ching aim is to raise global awareness about human traf- ficking and the impact this heinous crime has on individ- uals and societies around the world. The blue heart symbol represents solidarity with human trafficking victims, as well as the cold-heartedness of traffickers. Through the iconic UN blue colour, the campaign also highlights the UN's commitment to combat- ing this crime against human dignity. Under the theme "Trapped Behind the Scams", this year's campaign highlights how traffickers use deception, both online and offline, to recruit, control and exploit people, often without the use of visible force. Trafficking for forced into criminality is a rising form of human traffick- ing that sees victims being compelled to commit online scams, such as romance fraud, crypto schemes, and others under constant threat of vi- olence. Oftentimes, victims are educated, tech-savvy, and simply looking for work. They are tricked with offers of on- line marketing, customer sup- port, or tech jobs, some even go through multiple staged interviews, making the offer seem legitimate. Travel is of- ten arranged, and once they arrive, the deception contin- ues and they are subjected to strict control. They are trained to deceive others through on- line scams in industrial-scale financial fraud operations closely intertwined with cy- bercrime, financial fraud, money-laundering and cor- ruption. In these situations, they remain victims and should not be misidentified as criminals. A survivor centred perspective recognises this reality and firmly rejects stig- ma and blame. Shame, fear of consequences, dependen- cy on exploiters, or mistrust of authorities often prevent survivors from seeking help. Public misunderstanding can deepen this silence. When society sees scams only as crimes and not as tools of ex- ploitation, survivors remain invisible and unsupported. Awareness is paramount in the fight against human traf- ficking and plays a crucial role in preventing exploitation before it happens. Being cau- tious of offers that seem too good to be true, question- ing requests for secrecy, and recognising warning signs whether encountered online, through agencies or within everyday interactions, can reduce vulnerability to traf- ficking. Equally important is knowing that help exists and that reporting suspicious ac- tivity to the relevant authori- ties can make a difference: • To report a crime to the Po- lice: 119 • Foundation for Social Wel- fare Services (FSWS) – 179 • Victim Support Agency (VSA) – 116 006 With a focus on human traf- ficking for forced criminality, the theme of this year's Blue Heart Campaign asks us to see people, not just crimes. End- ing human trafficking starts by listening to survivors and standing together in solidar- ity to protect victims. Trans- national organised crime groups must be dismantled by strengthening cross-bor- der judicial and law enforce- ment cooperation, creating a society free from human traf- ficking and exploitation. Published by the Human Rights Directorate.