AI cuts costs for Southeast Asia-based scammers

CrimeUS-driven clampdowns drive fraud groups from Cambodia to countries like Sri LankaCambodia has cracked down heavily on scam centers. © ReutersAKIRA KITADO and YUJI NITTAAugust 21, 2026 09:26 JSTTOKYO/HANOI -- Fraud and other cross-border crimes are spreading in Southeast Asia with help from artificial intelligence, leading to a cat-and-mouse game as crackdowns fueled by U.S. pressure spur organizations to flee and pop up elsewhere.