Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip said on Friday that three Hongkongers have sought help from the authorities saying they are being held captive in Southeast Asia, in addition to eight others officials were already aware of. Cheuk told RTHK this morning that the three latest suspected victims are in Thailand and Myanmar and although they are being held prisoner after apparently falling prey to job scams, they are able to maintain communication with their families. But if they didn't do well in their work, or refused to work, they would be beaten or abused," he said. Asked about this, Cheuk said he wasn't sure which person the reports referred to, but authorities will help arrange quarantine facilities or travel documents for trafficking victims if necessary. The undersecretary said the police's organized crime and triad bureau are investigating all the suspected trafficking cases and whether the gangs involved have accomplices in Hong Kong.

Source: The Standard August 19, 2022 17:31 UTC