Hong Kong launches task force to help rescue 8 residents held captive in Myanmar, as authorities warn against overseas kidnapping scams
- Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk says police officers from force’s organised crime and triad bureau assigned to investigate overseas kidnappings
- Security Bureau reveals it has already received 20 requests for help involving missing residents in Southeast Asia, with remaining 12 all confirmed safe
The Security Bureau has launched a cross-departmental task force to coordinate the rescue of eight Hongkongers being held captive in unknown locations in Myanmar, and warned residents against falling victim to employment or romance scams that asked them to travel to Southeast Asian countries.
Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip on Thursday told a media briefing the task force included representatives from the Immigration Department and police, which had assigned the investigation to its organised crime and triad bureau that specialised in human trafficking cases.
The bureau revealed it had received 20 requests to help locate missing Hongkongers in Southeast Asia since January. Ten had returned to the city, two remained safe in undisclosed locations and eight were still being held against their will somewhere in Myanmar.
“The top priority is to secure their safe return,” Cheuk said. “We haven’t been able to identify their exact location. However, our immigration officers are trying their utmost.”
Police would exchange information about the cases with overseas law enforcement agencies through Interpol, he added.
In Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry underscored the central government’s determination to bring the victims home safely.
