About this episode
The episode recounts the harrowing experience of Ben Yeo and his wife as they were kidnapped and trapped in a Cambodian scam factory, highlighting the broader issue of scams and human trafficking.
Earlier this year, authorities found something extraordinary inside a Cambodian scam compound: a fake Australian Federal Police office. There were Australian flags, AFP-style logos, and desks staged to look official – all part of a six-storey compound used by scammers impersonating police forces from around the world. It was a reminder that the scam messages Australians receive are often connected to a far more sophisticated and exploitative criminal industry. New figures show Australians reported more than $2 billion in scam losses last year, and a recent UN report has detailed how people are trafficked into scam centres, held against their will, and forced to target strangers online. In early 2024, Ben and his wife were kidnapped and trapped inside one of these Cambodian scam factories. This is the story of how they escaped – and why so many others can’t. This episode was originally published in March 2025. If you enjoy 7am , the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support . Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Ben Yeo, ambassador for the Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance…
People in this episode
Guest: Ben Yeo
Topics covered
- scams
- human trafficking
- crime
- Cambodia
- personal story
- escape
Keywords
- Cambodian scam
- Australian Federal Police
- human trafficking
- Ben Yeo
- scam losses
- escape story
- criminal industry
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance, Australian Federal Police
Places: Cambodia
More episodes of 7am
- Policy advisor Rinehart and One Nation’s three million dollar payday · June 12, 2026 · 16 min
- Emily Maitlis on the Belfast riots, Elon Musk, and the anti-migrant frenzy · June 11, 2026 · 16 min
- “Hit them hard”: Trump unleashes on Iran amid claims he’s lost control · June 11, 2026 · 15 min
- Ditch the Witch 2.0 and the personal toll of sexist abuse in politics · June 10, 2026 · 16 min
- Inside the Neo-Nazi compound funded by millionaires · June 9, 2026 · 15 min
- Meet Jeni and her 2681 alter personalities: together they made legal history · June 8, 2026 · 19 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the 7am podcast page.