Crisis alert: Nine Hongkongers held in Southeast Asian scam parks amid growing concerns

Nine Hongkongers are currently being detained in Southeast Asian scam parks, with acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip saying the situation is particularly complicated in Myanmar. 

Of those detained, eight are in Myanmar and one in Cambodia.

During Wednesday's Legislative Council meeting, Cheuk addressed the issue of Hong Kong citizens being lured overseas for illegal work. 

He emphasized the limited control the Myanmar government has over border areas and noted that the Security Bureau is collaborating with Thai authorities to locate and rescue those trapped.

From 2023 to January 2025, law enforcement agencies received 28 requests for assistance regarding Hong Kong residents allegedly detained in Southeast Asia, with 19 individuals having since returned home. 

Cheuk shared that after leading a dedicated task force to Bangkok last month, they established direct contacts with Thai authorities to enhance communication and intelligence exchange.

Also, he said that the Secretary for Security met with the consuls-general of Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia in mid-January to discuss information sharing and strengthen future follow-up efforts. 

“The Security Bureau received positive feedback from the consuls-general, with all parties expressing hope to assist more seekers in returning to Hong Kong safely as soon as possible,” he said.

In Hong Kong, the Police Force has arrested 11 individuals linked to job scam cases from 2023 to January 2025 for offenses including conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and obtaining property by deception.

Among them, two were charged with conspiracy to defraud and subsequently convicted, receiving sentences of 36 and 56 months in prison.

Lawmaker Aron Kwok Wai-keung, representing the labor sector, urged authorities to increase public awareness regarding unusually favorable conditions and "quick money" opportunities. 

He criticized so-called “intermediaries” who have turned police operations into high-profile cases, thereby misleading the public into believing that paying a ransom will guarantee the release of captives. 

Kwok expressed concern about how many rescued individuals may have previously paid ransoms.

Cheuk said that the dedicated task force maintains direct contact with victims’ families and has cautioned them against trusting self-proclaimed intermediaries, who may be scams. 

He acknowledged the efforts of those providing psychological support and advocacy for victims’ families but urged them to refrain from disclosing excessive details to protect future rescue operations.

(Cheng Wong)