Published: 17:15, January 16, 2025 | Updated: 18:46, January 16, 2025
Another HK victim held in SE Asia 'scam farm' returns home safely
By Atlas Shao in Hong Kong
Members of the Security Bureau, police and the Immigration Department receive a victim of job scam at the Hong Kong International Airport, Jan 16, 2025. Held captive in Southeast Asia, the victim was released and returned safely to the city on Thursday. (COURTESY OF SECURITY BUREAU, HONG KONG) 

One more Hong Kong resident who was lured to Southeast Asia to work on a scam farm has returned to Hong Kong safe and sound, the city’s security chief announced on Thursday.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on his social media page that he and his team have met with staff from the Consulate General of Thailand in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and both sides will continue to discuss rescue strategies.

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Tang thanked the consular staff for their assistance in rescuing Hong Kong residents detained and forced to engage in illegal work in Southeast Asia.

The team will continue to pursue its rescue mission, with the hope that every detained Hong Kong resident can safely return home, he said.

READ MORE: Explainer: Southeast Asian job scams

The HKSAR government has received reports of 28 residents being lured to Southeast Asian countries since 2024, of whom 17 have safely returned to Hong Kong so far.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com