The Human Trace
What happens when we stop scrolling past the headlines and start listening to the lives behind them?
Hosted by Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker, this podcast steps into the stories that don’t always get told; the ones shaping our world from the margins, the frontlines, and the shadows.
Each episode is a deep, human conversation about what’s really happening and why it matters more than we think.
Because some stories aren’t just news.
They’re personal.
And they’re not going away.
Because, these are conversations that can't wait.
Published by Asia Freedom Network.
The Human Trace is produced to spark real conversations, amplify unheard stories, and trace the human impact behind global issues.
Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker is a trauma specialist, anti-trafficking strategist, and Director of the Asia Freedom Network. She is the founder of The Whispering Willow and CEO of Rise Foundation Asia - two organisations providing trauma-informed, community-based support for survivors of exploitation across Southeast Asia. With over two decades of experience, Helen has supported displaced communities, led survivor care initiatives, advised governments and civil society on systems reform, and shaped regional conversations on human rights, trauma, and justice.
Connect: linkedin.com/in/helenavadiarnimbalker
Learn more at asiafreedomnetwork.org and follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @asiafreedomnetwork.
The Human Trace
Exposing the Cyber Slavery Economy: Deep-Dive with Ling Li
Guest: Ling Li
Summary
In this conversation, Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker speaks with investigative journalist Ling Li and advocate Michelle B.J. Moore about the complexities of the scam industry in Southeast Asia, which intertwines with human trafficking, organized crime, and exploitation. They discuss the brutal realities faced by victims, the challenges of rescue operations, and the urgent need for collaboration among NGOs, law enforcement, and the private sector. The conversation highlights the evolving tactics of scammers, the economic implications of scam compounds, and the critical need for funding and reforms to support victims and combat this growing crisis.
Takeaways
- The scam industry is a complex web of exploitation.
- Victims often face dual identities as both victims and perpetrators.
- Rescue operations are hindered by corruption and lack of resources.
- The geographic expansion of scam compounds is alarming.
- Funding cuts severely impact NGOs and their ability to help victims.
- Collaboration between NGOs and law enforcement is essential.
- New recruitment tactics are emerging in the scam industry.
- The intersection of cybercrime and organized crime complicates enforcement efforts.
- Victim identification processes need urgent reform.
- The economic impact of scam compounds on local communities is significant.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cybercrime and Human Trafficking
02:39 Ling Li's Journey and the EOS Collective
05:32 The Brutality of Scam Compounds
08:26 Rescue Operations and the Role of NGOs
11:37 Victim-Perpetrator Duality in Scam Centers
14:45 Changing Profiles of Victims
17:22 Geographic Expansion of Scam Operations
20:31 The Impact of Funding Cuts on NGOs
23:37 The Role of Foreign Investors in Scam Compounds
31:44 Exploitation and Collaboration Challenges
35:37 Recruitment Tactics in Scamming
39:45 The Need for Real-Time Reporting
42:56 Data Sharing and Intelligence Collaboration
54:22 Victim Identification and Legal Reforms
01:00:25 Overlooked Sectors in Human Trafficking
01:04:03 Economic Impact of Scamming Compounds
01:11:44 The Global Expansion of Scamming and Its Victims
01:15:42 The Need for Collaboration and Reform
01:24:50 Funding Challenges and Solutions for Victims
Published by Asia Freedom Network.
The Human Trace is produced to spark real conversations, amplify unheard stories, and trace the human impact behind global issues.
Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker is a trauma specialist, anti-trafficking strategist, and Director of the Asia Freedom Network. She is the founder of The Whispering Willow and CEO of Rise Foundation Asia — two organisations providing trauma-informed, community-based support for survivors of exploitation across Southeast Asia. With over two decades of experience, Helen has supported displaced communities, led survivor care initiatives, advised governments and civil society on systems reform, and shaped regional conversations on human rights, trauma, and justice.
Connect: linkedin.com/in/helenavadiarnimbalker
Learn more at asiafreedomnetwork.org and follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @asiafreedomnetwork.