Hong Kong police arrested a 32-year-old beauty worker Wednesday in connection with a human trafficking scheme that lured two women to Myanmar where they were forced to participate in online scams.
The arrest comes as Hong Kong authorities intensify efforts to rescue 12 residents currently held captive in countries neighboring Thailand, highlighting the growing concern over trafficking operations targeting Hong Kong citizens.
The suspect, who faces conspiracy to defraud charges, allegedly befriended two women, aged 21 and 23, before enticing them to Thailand in December with promises of free travel and employment opportunities, according to Chief Inspector Yu Pok-hon.
“The victims were transported to a heavily guarded compound in Myanmar surrounded by barbed wire fencing,” Yu told reporters at a press conference. Both women were freed only after their families paid ransoms, and they returned to Hong Kong earlier this month.
Security Secretary Chris Tang said he received updates from a government task force dispatched to Thailand investigating reports of Hong Kong residents being held in dangerous conditions after being deceived into traveling to Bangkok.
“We are working closely with Thai authorities to secure the release of 12 Hong Kong residents currently detained in Myanmar and Cambodia,” Tang said. Officials reported Tuesday that more than a dozen other victims have already been repatriated.
Police warned the public to be skeptical of online job advertisements promising high salaries and cautioned against trusting recently made acquaintances.
The suspect is scheduled to appear at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.