A confirmed commitment. As the United States expresses concern over the presence of fraudulent call centers on the Great Island, Madagascar reaffirms its determination to combat human trafficking for the purpose of exploitation in criminal activities, particularly online scams. Although the current Malagasy law on human trafficking does not yet explicitly recognize this offense, Minister of Justice Fanirisoa Ernaivo stated that among those arrested during operations to dismantle scamming networks in Madagascar, “some are victims forced to participate in fraudulent activities.”
In her speech on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Thursday, the Minister noted that the draft law recognizing this offense will be examined during the next parliamentary session. She also highlighted the need to strengthen awareness regarding this form of exploitation, which is often confused with other offenses.
According to the Minister of Justice, Madagascar has already arrested hundreds of people involved in scamming networks. Some have been detained pending trial, while others have been repatriated to their countries of origin. “Most of the individuals arrested come from Asian countries,” she specified. Regarding the masterminds identified and based abroad, the Minister mentioned “international judicial cooperation to enable their prosecution.”
Present at the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Melanie Higgins praised “the ongoing efforts of Malagasy law enforcement to investigate these activities.” Addressing “the U.S. government’s concerns regarding the presence of fraudulent call centers in the country,” she emphasized the United States’ commitment “alongside Madagascar to advance human rights and fight human trafficking.”
The United States funds, among others, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its work in strengthening the capacity of local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires reported that “Malagasy law enforcement officers have participated in training programs allowing them to acquire skills in investigation and prosecution for various crimes, including human trafficking.”
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-01 12:38:38 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/traite-des-etres-humains-madagascar-reitere-son-engagement-dans-la-lutte-contre-les-reseaux-de-scamming/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=traite-des-etres-humains-madagascar-reitere-son-engagement-dans-la-lutte-contre-les-reseaux-de-scamming