Beijing: Chinese families are demanding the release of relatives kidnapped by scam syndicates operating in Myanmar’s border regions. Victims, often lured with job offers, are forced to work in brutal conditions at online fraud centres.
Wang Xing, 22, was tricked by an offer to act in a film in Thailand. Instead of working on a movie, Wang ended up in a Myanmar scam compound, according to Chinese and Thai police. Wang’s story mirrors hundreds of others across Southeast Asia.
Social Media Advocacy Sparks Public Interest
Unlike many families who suffer in silence, Wang’s girlfriend, Jiajia, took a bold step. She launched a social media campaign to bring Wang home. Her efforts gained millions of followers and caught the attention of Chinese celebrities including Shu Qi, Yao Chen, Gong Jun, Gina Jin, Dong Chengpeng, Ma Tianyu, and Hu Lianxin.
Jiajia’s relentless advocacy worked. Thai police freed Wang on January 7. However, authorities provided limited details about his release from Myanmar.
Rare Grassroots Efforts Gain Momentum
Inspired by Jiajia’s campaign, other families started sharing cases of missing loved ones online. Within days, over 1,800 names of trafficked Chinese citizens were submitted to authorities. These individuals are believed to be forced to work in scam operations based in towns like Myawaddy, near Thailand’s border.
Since Myanmar’s military seized power in 2021, civil unrest has enabled crime syndicates to flourish. Scam centres have expanded, taking advantage of instability and desperation caused by the pandemic.
UN Highlights Global Impact of Trafficking Networks
According to the United Nations, thousands of people are trafficked to scam compounds across Southeast Asia annually. These criminal hubs generate billions of dollars through global online scams.
China’s Response and Regional Collaboration
China’s Ministry of Public Security stated they are intensifying efforts to crack down on these operations. On Friday, the ministry pledged to rescue those trafficked and dismantle the compounds.
China, Thailand, and Myanmar recently reached an agreement to target scam leaders and eradicate the crime networks. However, China’s approach often classifies trafficked individuals as suspects, complicating rescue efforts.
In 2023, China arrested tens of thousands linked to these fraudulent schemes, reflecting its strict stance on fraud. However, groups advocating for trafficking victims urge governments to treat them as victims, not perpetrators.
Difficulty in Confirming Numbers
Mina Chiang, founder of the Humanity Research Consultancy, stated, “Obtaining an exact count of trafficked Chinese individuals is challenging.” Her organization continues to document cases and advocate for victim-focused approaches.
The Way Forward
Families of victims and advocacy groups call for urgent action. They emphasize stronger cross-border cooperation and victim protection policies.
China’s crackdown, alongside regional collaboration, raises hope for future efforts to rescue victims and end such scams.
