16th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) A 25-year-old man from Hong Kong has returned home after being trafficked to Myanmar, where he was coerced into participating in online scams. His ordeal began in October 2024 when he responded to a job advertisement on social media promising lucrative earnings as a sales agent transporting diamonds from Thailand to Taiwan. Unbeknownst to him, this opportunity turned into a nightmare.
Upon arriving in Bangkok on 13th December, 2024, the victim was met by local accomplices who whisked him away in a private vehicle. Over several hours, he was transferred between different cars, eventually reaching the Thai-Myanmar border. It was at this point that he realised he had been deceived and attempted to escape, but his efforts were thwarted. He was subsequently taken to a remote facility in Myanmar, where armed guards patrolled the area.
During his time in captivity, the man was forced to work long hours—up to 17 a day—engaging in fraudulent activities online. He faced severe consequences for failing to meet the scam’s financial targets, enduring physical abuse and deprivation of food. The scars from his mistreatment remain evident.
Following a report from the victim’s family in October, Hong Kong authorities collaborated with their Thai and Myanmar counterparts to secure his release. Upon his return to Hong Kong, the victim is now assisting law enforcement with their ongoing investigation into the trafficking ring.
Chief Immigration Officer of international cooperation Mickie Choi Yu-fei, confirmed that the Immigration Department acted swiftly upon receiving the case. They maintained ongoing communication with the victim’s family throughout the ordeal. Upon his release, the victim faced issues related to overstaying his visa in Thailand, but with assistance from the authorities, he successfully completed the necessary procedures to leave the country and return to Hong Kong.
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