Hong Kong Deploys Task Force to Thailand to Combat Forced Labor in Scam Hubs

Hong Kong Deploys Task Force to Thailand to Address Scam Hub Issue

In response to the increasing number of Hong Kong residents being lured to Southeast Asian countries and forced into illegal work, Hong Kong has deployed a task force to Thailand. The task force will meet with security officials and follow up on cases involving victims trapped in notorious online scam hubs.

This action comes after the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai-Myanmar border on January 3rd, 2024. This area is known for criminal syndicates operating online scam hubs.

Since the second quarter of 2024, there has been a surge in reports of Hong Kongers being lured to Southeast Asian countries and forced to work in slave-like conditions. Law enforcement agencies have received 28 requests for help from residents and their families. Of these, 16 have already returned, while the remaining 12 are still trapped but safe and able to contact their families.

Between 2022 and early 2023, Hong Kong authorities received 46 requests for assistance from citizens trapped in compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia. Of these, 43 were successfully rescued and returned to Hong Kong. The remaining three declined further assistance after being rescued.

The Hong Kong task force will meet with officials from the Chinese embassy in Thailand and relevant Thai authorities to exchange intelligence and request assistance in rescuing the remaining victims.

This situation highlights the ongoing issue of illegal scam hubs operating in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar. Victims, many of whom are Chinese nationals, are subjected to slave-like working and living conditions.