What happens when one person decides to take on an entire criminal network—with nothing but a backpack, a drone, and an unshakable belief that something had to change? 

In this episode, Ben and Darren sit down with Buddy, whose early anti-trafficking efforts in Southeast Asia involved everything from drone surveillance to hacked tech and quiet collaboration with law enforcement. Buddy shares raw stories from the field—busts that almost failed, missions that barely held together, and one operation that led to Thailand’s largest human trafficking arrest. 

But this isn’t just about stings and rescues. It’s a reflection on what sustainable impact really means. And why sometimes, stepping back is part of moving forward. 

What you'll hear: 

• How drone tech, surveillance tools, and donated software powered early rescue missions 

• Why grassroots innovation was critical to uncovering trafficking routes 

• The emotional toll of doing this work without formal systems or support 

• Why stepping away from frontline work became part of the long-term impact 

• What Buddy sees as the next frontier for protecting people in vulnerable situations 

This conversation is part of Freedom World—a podcast hosted by Ben and Darren exploring how technology and purpose come together to build lasting impact. Powered by a platform that helps organisations activate purpose-led communities, Freedom World is where tech meets transformation. 

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Produced By: thesurge.online