Wang Xing’s Myanmar escape signals more work ahead against thriving scam industry

The dramatic tale of abduction and rescue that unfolded this month following the return of mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was retrieved from the clutches of an online scam syndicate in Myanmar, echoes another human trafficking story just over a year ago – when Myanmar handed over junta-backed Chinese warlords and their family members to Beijing during a major crackdown.

Those were powerful families that had colluded with or operated cyber scam networks around the border casino town of Laukkaing in the northern Shan state. Their undoing had been hailed as a major success as Beijing attempted to contain a thriving criminal industry that was behind the abductions and forced labour of large numbers of Chinese nationals.

Just over a year later, however, Wang’s high-profile case is evidence that the notorious scam compounds that had been subdued in one corner of Myanmar are flourishing in other parts of the country, such as Myawaddy, in the country’s southwest.

These operations now seem more sophisticated as they go after larger groups of victims. Previously, the scams targeted unemployed people, small business operators, or individuals with little education. Now they aim for celebrities and the well-educated.

Some victims are even being plucked from neighbouring Thailand. Wang, 31, was lured to Thailand for a fake photo shoot and was reportedly led through immigration control by a person claiming to be a production crew member. He was then driven to Mae Sot, a Myanmar border town some 500km (310 miles) from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. His friends and family members lost contact with him soon after.

The case drew national attention and Wang was rescued three days after an online plea by his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Wang’s case has had big repercussions. Mainlanders have questioned whether it is safe to travel to Thailand, with many tourists reportedly cancelling their trips.

  

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