HK rescue mission 'not easy', says security chief

16-01-2025 12:12 HKT

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security reminded members of the public that they should immediately contact authorities if family members are held for ransom, adding that the SAR will go all out to rescue them - despite the task not being easy.

Speaking on a television program aired on Thursday, security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung acknowledged the complexity of such rescue operations in Southeast Asian countries.

He said the scammers have influence in Hong Kong, transit countries, and the destination countries, as well as influence over armed forces at the borders, while the involvement of multiple regions makes rescue operations intricate.

Currently, authorities are in direct contact with the families of the victims, and a dedicated task force can now directly communicate with Thai authorities leading the rescue efforts, as well as directly contact the Thai Minister of Justice, Tourism, and Police Chiefs regarding the rescue strategies, which is expected to enhance efficiency, said Tang.

Tang said the 12 Hongkongers still trapped are aged between 21 and 43, and were lured overseas by the promise of high-paying work or free hotel packages.

He said people who are already in Thailand and suspected they will soon be brought to “scam hubs” in neighboring countries should seek help at the airport.

They should download the "Thailand Tourist Police" app to share their location with local police should they still have access to their mobile phones, he added.

A dedicated Security Bureau task force has been deployed to Thailand earlier to follow up on the dozen Hongkongers trafficked to Southeast Asian countries and forced into labor.

Security chief Chris Tang held a meeting on Wednesday with a government task force that traveled to Thailand recently to facilitate the trapped individuals’ release.