An Anatomy of ‘Pig Butchering Scams’: Chinese Victims’ and Police Officers’ Perspectives

By Bing Han and Mark Button

Fraud against individuals has become one of the most common crimes in many countries throughout the world. China, like many other nations, has experienced significant increases in the volume of fraud. One type of scam that has become prevalent there is the “pig butchering scam” which is a form of hybrid romance-investment fraud, where the scammers establish relationships, build trust and gradually escalate to a significant fraud. This scam also differs from other romance frauds with the involvement of organized crime groups on a significant scale, often utilizing forced and trafficked labor. This paper offers insights from Chinese victims and police officers of the characteristics and anatomy of this scam.

Deviant Behavior, January 2025