It usually starts with a message that seems to be meant for someone else. An apology, a friendly reply, and weeks of conversation follow. Eventually, the new friend mentions a crypto trading platform that has made them rich.
The name says it all. “Pig butchering” describes the process: fatten the victim with trust and small apparent profits, then take everything.
The workers are victims too. The United Nations has reported that hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked into scam compounds in Southeast Asia, forced to run these operations under threat of violence.
How the money disappears
Victims see impressive gains on a fake platform. When they try to withdraw, they are told to pay “taxes” or “fees” first. Every payment brings a new excuse.
Red flags
- A stranger who moves the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram quickly.
- Investment tips from someone you’ve never met in person.
- A platform that won’t let you withdraw without paying more.
Source: UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
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