Cyber scam farms in Myanmar: Call for research proposals

The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative is seeking researchers or research teams in Myanmar and the diaspora to submit a proposal for research on the topic of cyber scam farms located in Myanmar and its border areas. The goal of the research will be to understand the current situation of the cyber scam farms, with a focus on how the National Unity Government and allied Ethnic Armed Organizations are responding to the scam farm issue, if at all. The goal of the research will be to understand any possible interventions against the cyber scam farms that can be taken by Myanmar civil society, foreign governments and international donors. Are there any actions that civil society, government and donors can make in order to help combat the rise and spread of cyber scam farms in Myanmar? (with possible reference to similar country environments like Cambodia and the Philippines). 

Research issue and objectives

Cyber scam farms are a recent phenomenon with operations mostly concentrated in cross-border areas with weak law enforcement. In August 2024, the United Nations estimated that 120,000 people had been trafficked into scamming operations in Myanmar (Source: The Record). Recent efforts by Chinese authorities to combat scams have had some effect, resulting in the arrest of key figures in the industry, including a deputy military chief in Myanmar (Source: Irrawaddy). However, the overall impact has been limited, with operations quickly reviving (Source: Frontier Myanmar).

Recruitment for the scam farms involves human trafficking on a large scale, in addition to the presence of Myanmar nationals scammed by the false offer of legitimate employment. In Myanmar, where millions of students boycotted classes after the coup and formal job opportunities evaporated, many young people were tempted by job offers that required them to shift locations. While some individuals are trafficked into online fraud by friends or acquaintances, others are lured by fraudulent job advertisements. Young people facing unemployment due to the political situation are particularly targeted, making them vulnerable to these scams. Similar fraudulent recruitments attracted job seekers from around the South and Southeast Asia region. Those trafficked are forced, at threat of violence, to scam victims for money through various digital channels (Facebook, Telegram, Viber, email, SMS, and so on).

The objective of the proposed research will be to understand the scam farm phenomenon as it developed and currently exists, and the response to cyber scam farms by pro-democracy elements of Myanmar’s political environment (the NUG and allied EAOs). The research will propose possible programmatic solutions for civil society, and bilateral and multilateral donors, including the United Nations agencies and regional bodies like ASEAN.

This call for proposals is part of a two-year initiative to fund original and highly relevant social research projects on Myanmar issues, and to support young researchers to develop and continue their interest in research. The initiative is designed to support Myanmar’s research culture, which is at risk of being lost in the current political crisis. There is a strong need to support research for, by and amongst vulnerable groups, including LGBTQIA+, women, religious and ethnic minorities. Researchers submitting a proposal may work individually or in teams. Any funded research project will undergo a thorough risk assessment review, with digital safety training provided in advance of initiating research activities. While travel to international conferences is not funded directly as part of this research activity, the funders will work with the successful research applicant to promote Myanmar participation in international or regional policy and academic conferences. 

Proposal requirements

Interested researchers should contact K4DM at the email below under “Submission Information” to receive a link to a research proposal template. Only proposals submitted using this template will be considered. Funding for each research proposal should not exceed CAD 20,000 (approx USD 14,500). Research proposals above CAD 20,000 will only be considered if there is a very strong need demonstrated for extensive fieldwork or other research costs. The research proposal should include a communications plan. Researchers and research teams should be available to discuss their research publicly. However, if anonymity is required, alternate dissemination plans will be considered. 

Note: As the security of researchers and research informants will be an issue with this sensitive topic, the researcher/research team will be required to undergo a risk assessment mitigation planning process prior to undertaking field research.

Submission Information

Interested researchers should email research@k4dm.ca to request a link to our research proposal template (a Google Form). The deadline to submit a completed research proposal including a budget is 15 December 2024. Successful candidates will be contacted before 10 January 2024. 

About Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM)

The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative nurtures a new generation of young actors to promote inclusion, gender equality, respect for diversity, and prosperity for all in Myanmar. K4DM is funded by IDRC and Global Affairs Canada, and works in collaboration with international partners. Making use of online courses, fellowships and research on digital spaces, the initiative supports diverse students and researchers primarily in the Myanmar diaspora and research institutions outside the country. www.k4dm.ca