A21 is a global NGO focused on countering human trafficking through prevention & awareness, intervention, and direct services, including legal assistance. One such intervention mechanism utilized by A21 is the operation of the South African National Human Trafficking Hotline (A21 Hotline). In September 2024, the A21 Hotline in South Africa received a call reporting an urgent situation involving the possible trafficking of the caller’s friend to a scamming center in Cambodia. According to the caller, the potential victim accepted a job offer in Cambodia from a company later determined to be non-existent. The caller explained that another recent recruit would accompany her friend to travel from South Africa to Bangkok, whereby the “employer” would then transport them to the company in Cambodia. The caller had heard about false jobs leading to human trafficking and noticed warning signs here. Despite the caller’s warning, her friend proceeded with her travel. The A21 Hotline immediately alerted the A21 office in Bangkok and provided the travel information and a photo of the potential victim. A21 Thailand responded by contacting law enforcement, Thailand immigration, and the South African Embassy. Investigation revealed that no company existed at the provided address in Cambodia and that the potential victim’s return flight and hotel reservation had been falsified. The potential victim was provided with this information at the airport and then given a return flight home where A21 South Africa staff provided further assistance. This situation exemplifies the power of awareness and action in successfully preventing a likely trafficking situation.
