Victim-offender overlap: the identity transformations experienced by trafficked Chinese workers escaping from pig-butchering scam syndicate

The pig-butchering scam, also known as Sha Zhu Pan (杀猪盘) in Chinese, is a distinctive form of online romance scam. It involves fraudulently enticing victims through fake online investment platforms and the use of romantic persuasion. While this crime is renowned for its innovative social engineering techniques, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the scammers' involvement in human trafficking, particularly their recruitment of vulnerable Chinese workers for illegal labor practices. Recognizing these overlapping identities, the current research aims to comprehensively understand the process of identity transformation experienced by these Chinese workers concerning their vulnerabilities and resilience. Using victim testimonial data from two prominent online sources, this study presents a four-stage model outlining the processes undergone by trafficked Chinese workers, leading to the development of a victim-offender identity. Additionally, this effort elucidates strategies employed by them to manage the unique identity subsequent to their escape from the base camp of the pig-butchering scam. The outcomes shed light on a significant criminogenic aspect within the pig-butchering scam, an area that has received limited attention thus far. This knowledge is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the transformation of these individuals into scammers, thereby offering valuable insights for preemptive prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.