Teen sold into Myanmar scam compound by girlfriend after brutal betrayal

A 19-year-old Chinese man was trafficked to a notorious Myanmar scam compound after being deceived by his 17-year-old girlfriend, suffering severe beatings that left him partially deaf, according to Chinese media reports.

The victim, identified only by his surname Huang, was lured to Myanmar in February by his then-girlfriend Zhou, who authorities allege masterminded the scheme. 

Huang’s sister revealed to the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald that the couple met at a billiards hall last year, where Zhou presented herself as a wealthy heiress adorned in luxury brands.

The trap  

After moving in together, Zhou repeatedly convinced the lovestruck Huang that her family operated businesses in Myanmar and persuaded him to join her there for work. 

In February, Huang secretly traveled with Zhou to Bangkok, Thailand. 

Upon reaching the Thai-Myanmar border region, Zhou abruptly abandoned him. 

Huang was immediately seized by armed men and forcibly taken to a scam compound in Myanmar.

Brutal captivity and rescue

Imprisoned in a darkened cell, Huang was forced to participate in telecom fraud operations. He endured daily beatings for failing to meet scamming quotas, resulting in permanent hearing damage. "He was subjected to relentless violence," his sister stated.

After months in captivity, Huang was finally freed in June through the intervention of the Myanmar Chaoshan Chamber of Commerce. His release required a ransom payment of 350,000 yuan (~HK$380,000).

Legal reckoning  

Chinese police apprehended Zhou upon her return to China. Authorities report she received 100,000 yuan (~HK$108,000) for trafficking Huang and vacationed in Thailand for 10 days after abandoning him at the border. 

She currently faces fraud charges, with her trial—initially scheduled for late July—postponed and expected to commence shortly.

Family’s anguish  

"She’s only 17. Who could imagine she was capable of such evil?" Huang’s sister told reporters. The family demands maximum legal punishment for Zhou, whom they describe as having "a heart as venomous as a snake or scorpion."