EU Council targets Scam centres in Southeast Asia

The EU Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/1896 on 30 July 2026, amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999, imposing asset freezing sanctions on seven individuals and three entities under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime for serious human rights violations tied to scam centre operations in Southeast Asia, including trafficking in human beings, torture, and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The listings target two Cambodia-based conglomerates along with their respective chairmen, as well as a Myanmar/Burmese armed group controlling territory around Myawaddy on the Thailand border and five of its leadership figures, for providing protection to scam compounds and enabling trafficking, forced criminality, and violence against victims who attempted to escape or refused to cooperate.