Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced that it shut down approximately 2 million accounts linked to “pig butchering” scams in 2025. These scams use elaborate social engineering techniques to deceive victims. Due to their rapid spread, Meta concentrated its enforcement efforts on Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as another hotspot for such operations.
To combat these threats, Meta relied on its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI) Policy. This policy combines insights from internal experts and external partners. Once Meta classifies an entity as a DOI, it immediately bans that entity from its platforms. The company also applies a range of enforcement tools to disrupt associated activities.
Meta explained that it uses advanced detection systems to combat scam hubs more effectively. Moreover, it continuously updates behavioral and technical indicators to strengthen automated detection. These updates also help block malicious infrastructure and stop repeat offenders from returning to the platform.
Besides relying on internal tools, Meta actively collaborates with law enforcement agencies across the region. In particular, it has worked with the Royal Thai Police to break apart organized scam networks. These partnerships have played a vital role in regional enforcement.
In one significant case, Meta joined forces with industry peers to target a scam compound operating out of Cambodia. This operation specifically focused on Japanese- and Chinese-speaking victims. OpenAI contributed to the takedown by providing intelligence on how scammers misused AI tools to create fake content and translate deceptive messages.
Scam operations often thrive in regions with legal or loosely regulated online gaming. Consequently, many countries have begun tightening their policies to crack down on these criminal networks.
In the Philippines, the government has launched an aggressive campaign against offshore gaming operators (POGOs). These POGOs have faced mounting allegations related to illegal activity. As part of a broader crackdown, the government recently ordered raids and arrests, showing clear intent to shut down POGOs entirely by year-end.
Nevertheless, as one region enforces stricter regulations, scammers quickly adapt. They shift operations to areas with less oversight, such as the Golden Triangle. This behavior highlights the evolving nature of these multinational scams. It also underscores the challenge of shutting down syndicates that exploit legal loopholes across borders.
Despite growing enforcement momentum, Meta emphasized the need for continuous international cooperation. It reaffirmed its commitment to fighting online abuse by updating policies, strengthening detection systems, and deepening collaboration with governments and tech partners alike.
