Investigations have revealed that Human traffickers in Southeast Asia are increasingly posing as missionaries or pilgrims to deceive authorities and avoid detection at international borders. According to a report by the Vatican’s Fides News Agency, this emerging tactic involves victims and traffickers disguising themselves as Christian missionaries or volunteers engaged in religious activities abroad.
Police operations, supported by wiretaps and coordinated investigations, have uncovered several cases using this “religious cover.” Police described a method where “a regular traveler, acting as a smuggler, accompanies groups of passengers under false pretenses, who become victims of trafficking.” Law enforcement agencies across Southeast Asia–including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia–have intensified joint operations to combat these networks.
In the Philippines, the Catholic Foundation PREDA (People’s Recovery, Empowerment, and Development Assistance), founded by Irish missionary Fr Shay Cullen, has long denounced trafficking schemes that exploit young women. Fr Bryand Restituto, Assistant to the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, strongly condemned these deceptive practices. ”We strongly condemn individuals and trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable populations and use language, clothing, and presumed religious practices to commit criminal acts,” he said. In Thailand, Sister Marie Agnes Buasap of the Hospitaller Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres and coordinator of the Talitha Kum Thailand network, is among those leading anti-trafficking efforts. Talitha Kum promotes awareness among youth, families, and educators, and supports the reintegration of survivors.