From click to crime: How fake job ads fuel irregular migration and trafficking from Pakistan

The report is part of a wider assessment conducted within the framework of the Norwegian-funded project Prevent Fraudulent Job Advertisements and Cyber Activity as a Facilitator of Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Human Beings (FJA-PAK). Drawing upon desk research and consultations with relevant stakeholders at both national and international levels, this report aims to understand and evaluate the overarching social, political, and legal framework underlying the proliferation of online fake job advertisements, as well as the current trends and modus operandi of criminal networks that exploit cyber activities to facilitate (irregular) migration, smuggling, and trafficking from Pakistan. The following patterns have emerged from the assessment of the situation:

• Fake job advertisements and migration: The primary aim of fake online job advertisements related to migration is to defraud potential migrants. In this respect, scams can continue for as long as possible – or at least until the migrant realises the fraudulent intent of the agency. Small but regular payments are usually asked for to avoid suspicion among migrants and detection or prosecution by public authorities. While some ads are linked to smuggling and trafficking, these cases are less common and typically involve higher levels of transnational coordination.
• Digital platforms in migration-related crimes: Social media and messaging apps are increasingly used not only to advertise jobs and communicate with migrants but also to manage international payments. Domestically, however, cash remains the predominant payment method, particularly for local migration services.
• Structure of criminal networks: Criminal groups involved in fraud, smuggling, or trafficking often operate through informal, loosely connected networks; however, trafficking networks tend to demonstrate greater hierarchy and sophistication. The national policy framework related to smuggling and trafficking has recently been updated and improved to combat irregular migration and promote regular labour migration from the country. Recent legislation on cybercrime has introduced important provisions to regulate the cyber sphere and the proliferation of cybercrimes.

However, some important challenges remain, such as:

• Distinction between smuggling and trafficking: Despite legislative efforts to align national laws on smuggling and trafficking with international legal frameworks, the distinction between the two remains difficult to discern in practice, creating operational challenges for law enforcement agencies.
• Overgeneralisation of online criminal activity as cybercrime: The broad categorisation of all online criminal activities under the umbrella of cybercrime risks overburdening specific law enforcement units, obscuring important links between online and offline criminal networks, and reducing penalties for criminals.

To address the issue of fraudulent job advertisements, the focus should be on:

• Strengthening coordination mechanisms: Establishing clear lines of authority, standardised procedures, and joint task forces is essential to tackle complex transnational crimes.
• Investing in technology and training: Modernising communication systems, investing in data sharing platforms, and providing training to law enforcement personnel are crucial for improving investigative capabilities and collaboration.
• Building trust and fostering collaboration: Regular meetings, joint training exercises, and shared case reviews can help build trust and improve coordination and communication between agencies.

In conclusion, it is undeniable that in recent years Pakistan has made important social and legislative changes to facilitate regular migration from the country, prevent and combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and protect victims. However, gaps remain in institutional capacity and preventative measures. Addressing these challenges is fundamental to effectively disrupt criminal networks and ensure protection for vulnerable migrants.