Ayush Tiwari of Scroll Recognized with 2025 ACJ Award for Groundbreaking Investigative Journalism

In a significant achievement for Indian journalism, Ayush Tiwari, a dedicated reporter from Scroll, has been honored with the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) Award for Investigative Journalism for the year 2025. The accolade was announced on Sunday, recognizing Tiwari’s remarkable investigative series that explored the dark and complex world of cybercrime, particularly focusing on the operations of Chinese crime syndicates based in Southeast Asia.

Published during January and February of 2025, Tiwari’s series provided a deep dive into the alarming phenomenon of cybercrime centers operating in countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. These so-called “scam compounds” employ thousands of individuals, many of whom are young Indians seeking better job opportunities. Instead of fulfilling their dreams, they find themselves trapped in a web of deceit, coerced into perpetrating fraud against unsuspecting victims back in India.

What sets Tiwari’s investigation apart is its emphasis on the duality of victimhood; not only are the individuals making scam calls complicit, but they themselves are often victims of human trafficking and exploitation. Lured by false promises of lucrative employment, many of these individuals are left with no choice but to participate in the fraudulent schemes they initially sought to escape.

The jury at the ACJ praised Tiwari’s work, highlighting the comprehensive nature of his reporting and his relentless pursuit of the truth across multiple countries. They noted the series’ compelling narrative that not only shed light on the operational mechanics of these cybercrime syndicates but also humanized the people caught in this traumatic cycle, making it a standout entry in this year’s awards.

Through his investigative work, Tiwari has brought to light the harrowing experiences of both victims of cybercrime in India and those enslaved in the scam industry abroad. He has documented the emotional toll on families who have lost their life savings to such fraudulent schemes, as well as the desperation that drives individuals to Southeast Asia, where they become trapped in a cycle of exploitation.

This recognition by the ACJ not only underscores Tiwari’s talent as an investigative journalist but also serves as a crucial reminder of the pressing issue of cybercrime and its far-reaching implications. As digital fraud continues to evolve, the need for vigilant reporting and public awareness becomes ever more important.

Source: scroll.in