Economist Podcasts The Intelligence: Asia’s transnational crime gangs
7 snips
Nov 8, 2023 
Gareth Brown, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares his insights on the rising tide of organized crime in Asia. He discusses a high-profile money-laundering case in Singapore linked to online gambling, revealing how crime gangs exploit these avenues. The conversation shifts to political dynamics in Palestine, featuring Muhammad Dahlan's vision for a post-war future. Additionally, the health crisis posed by lead-adulterated turmeric in South Asia is examined, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and successful mitigation efforts.
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Casinos and Scams
- In Cambodia, licensed online gambling firms sometimes operate alongside scam operations in the same building.
- This highlights the blurred lines between legal and illegal activities.
Scam Revenue and Mobility
- Online scam centers in Southeast Asia generate billions of dollars annually, according to the UN.
- Criminal gangs easily relocate to countries with high corruption when facing pressure.
Combating Crime
- Governments and international organizations are trying to counter the criminal activity.
- Only a tiny fraction of money laundering flows are intercepted, making it a difficult fight.