Six Hong Kong residents who were rescued from a telecom fraud compound in Myanmar are scheduled to return home late on Friday, leaving just three still trapped, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday.

After arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport following his return from Bangkok, Tang told the waiting press that the rescued residents, escorted by Myanmar authorities, were taken to the Thai capital on Friday afternoon, and are expected to return home at 10 pm, accompanied by his colleagues.

The rescue operation involved police and national defense authorities of Thailand, as well as China’s ministries of public security and foreign affairs. No ransom was paid.

READ MORE: Hong Kong resident rescued in Myanmar to return home on Monday

Tang said the six rescued residents are aged between 29 and 44, including three women, and are all in good health.

They were lured to Myanmar with promises of well-paying jobs and had been trapped there for five to seven months, he said.

“I have spoken via video with the six and learned that they are currently in good health. They expressed their gratitude to everyone and every organization involved in the rescue operation, and they look forward to returning to Hong Kong to see their families later tonight,” he said.

Since 2023, a total of 28 Hong Kong residents have been reported trapped in such compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia, where they are allegedly forced to participate in illegal activities. The latest operation has increased the total number of rescued residents to 25.

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Tang said the Hong Kong SAR government will spare no efforts to rescue the remainder.

The recent operation is part of intensified efforts by Hong Kong to combat telecom fraud, which has caused significant financial losses for local residents, including students and the elderly.

In January, Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip led a task force to Thailand, where he met with the country’s minister of justice and heads of law enforcement agencies to coordinate the rescue of trapped Hong Kong residents.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com