Hong Kong’s Security Bureau is sending a task force to Thailand to examine cases of residents who have been lured and trapped in Southeast Asia for illegal work, following the alarming abduction of mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing in Myanmar. Authorities have documented 28 separate cases since early 2024, illustrating a dire trend necessitating immediate intervention.
Hong Kong’s Security Bureau is dispatching a task force to Thailand this Sunday afternoon to investigate the troubling cases of residents reportedly lured and trapped in Southeast Asia for illegal work. This initiative follows the alarming case of Wang Xing, a mainland Chinese actor who was held captive in Myanmar after traveling to Thailand. Reports indicate Hong Kong authorities have received 28 cases of residents claiming to be in similar predicaments since early 2024, with 16 individuals already returned home. In the remaining 12 cases, those affected have reported restrictions on their movements but maintain communication with their families and the task force.
The recent surge in reports of Hong Kong residents being allegedly lured into illegal labor rings in Southeast Asian countries has prompted urgent action from local authorities. Notably, the incident involving Wang Xing highlights the intricate web of deceit employed by fake agents in the region. After arriving in Thailand under the pretense of a job offer with a fictional casting agency, Wang’s harrowing experience has raised awareness and concern among local residents, underscoring the importance of vigilance against human trafficking.
In response to increasing incidents of Hong Kong residents falling victim to trafficking schemes abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Security Bureau’s proactive measures, including the deployment of a task force to Thailand, aim to provide urgent assistance. Continued monitoring and support for those affected are essential to ensuring the safety of individuals lured by false promises. The situation underscores the critical need for increased public awareness and preventive measures against human trafficking.
Original Source: www.scmp.com