August 25, 2022

The Standard: Aug 2022

More cries for help from trafficking victims

There are 21 Hongkongers still being held captive in Southeast Asia after falling prey to scams, the Security Bureau said.

It also received one more report of a Hong Kong citizen being held captive in Southeast Asia yesterday, taking the total of those conned into traveling to the area in employment frauds or romance scams to 39.


Of the 39 requests for assistance, 18 of them have been confirmed safe and 12 of them have returned to Hong Kong. But there are still 10 who are being detained in Myanmar and 11 in Cambodia.
At present, there is no specific legislation for human trafficking in Hong Kong.

Branches of Hope – a local NGO advocating for victims of trafficking – said in a press conference yesterday that they received two requests for help from alleged victims.
Both of them were kidnapped and taken to Myanmar after they traveled to Thailand. One was released after his family members paid a ransom, while the other was still held in Myanmar.
More cries for help from trafficking victims | The Standard: The Standard: Aug 2022