Second Hong Kong man rescued from Southeast Asia scam farm: ex-politician

A second Hong Kong man has been rescued from Myanmar after being lured into forced illegal labour in Southeast Asia, according to a former district councillor who has been helping victims.

Andy Yu Tak-po revealed the development on Monday afternoon after accompanying a family member of a kidnapped victim to submit a petition letter at the Myanmar Consulate General in Hong Kong earlier that day. No member of the consulate, however, was sent to receive the letter.

“Another Hongkonger who was illegally detained and assisted by us was rescued from Myanmar last night, and is now in Thailand,” Yu wrote on social media.

Yu told the Post that the man called his family about his release from four months of captivity in a “scam farm” after arriving in Bangkok on Sunday night, adding the case did not involve paying a ransom.

“The man is now staying in a safe space in Bangkok. The family has already reported to police and the Immigration Department. We hope the Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok can help him handle some financial issues, including the cost incurred for overstaying in Thailand and the return airfare to Hong Kong,” Yu said.

It remained unclear when the man would return to Hong Kong, he said, adding the family had urged the government to speed things up.