First, I will analyze and bullet point your options to better understand what has already been proposed, allowing for a more structured discussion on identifying any potential alternatives.

• Could be under their own will but sabotaged strategically.

• Might have already been tried and struck sealed plea deals.

Here are some things that I could think of

• Coercion and Blackmail
• Financial Dependency
• Cultural or Ideological Influence
• Technological Control
• Physical Confinement or Threat of Harm
• Dependency on Resources These would all be examples of close to direct control.

there could be other possible methods that dont provide direct control but are instead are indirect ghost-level control methods:

• Manipulation through Information
• Psychological Manipulation
• Networking and Alliances
• Expertise and Knowledge
• Incentive Structures

Feel free to ask for more detail on any of these if they are unclear.