Article author:
Associated Press
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong authorities said Thursday they are seeking the repatriation of citizens who have traveled to Southeast Asia for jobs that have fallen into fraud and virtual slavery.
Victims, also from Taiwan and mainland China, found employment in call centers that attempt to trick Chinese-speaking people into paying hoax bills and government fees.
Hong Kong's undersecretary of security, Michael Chuuk, said police and immigration officials had received requests for help to bring back 20 people since January, 12 of whom were He said he is now safe but the two remain in Myanmar.
Cheuk said authorities were unable to pinpoint the exact location of his eight remaining Hong Kong citizens.
"Our immigration officers are doing everything in their power to contact the Chinese embassy and local consulate generals and explore all means and routes to ensure their safe return home. he said.
Fraud networks, often with links to transnational organized crime, are set up abroad to evade detection, luring educated young workers with the promise of high incomes. ing. Workers are then isolated and threatened with violence unless they succeed in tricking victims in mainland China who are contacted by phone to transfer payments to overseas bank accounts.
Taiwanese media also reported that people who were told they could earn tens of thousands of dollars a month working for financial firms were taken to Cambodia. With Myanmar still in crisis after the military takeover and many victims passing through Thailand's rural transport hubs, he is another place the scammers prefer.
Scammers have been active for years, reaching as far afield as Nepal and East Africa. China has tried to quell the practice, but the plan appears to be successful, capitalizing on victims' strong respect for authority and fear of retaliation.
