OSCE Calls for Action Against Trafficking for Forced Criminality and Cyber Scams

• •OSCE calls for renewed efforts to combat trafficking for forced criminality and cyber scams.
• •Victims are often coerced into fraud through threats and debt bondage.
• •International cooperation and public-private partnerships are essential to tackle this issue.

On July 30, 2026, the OSCE leadership urged for stronger measures to combat trafficking for forced criminality, coinciding with World Day against Trafficking in Persons. The call highlights the growing trend of criminal networks exploiting victims through deceptive job advertisements and coercing them into cyber scams. Victims are often transported across borders and compelled to commit fraud under threats and debt bondage. The OSCE emphasizes the need for enhanced public-private partnerships and international cooperation to dismantle these criminal networks. The organization stresses that victims should be recognized as such and not prosecuted as offenders. Front-line responders, including law enforcement and social protection institutions, must be equipped to identify trafficking indicators. The theme for this year, 'Trapped behind the scam,' reflects the urgency of addressing this evolving threat. The OSCE aims to strengthen victim-centered responses to protect those exploited by organized crime.