Eight Hongkongers Being Held Captive In Myanmar: Govt

Security officials said on Thursday that they are aware of eight Hongkongers being held captive in Myanmar after apparently falling prey to human traffickers.

Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk said the police's organised crime and triad bureau is working to get the eight freed and will be liaising with counterparts in Southeast Asia and Interpol.

"We haven't been able to identify their [the victims] exact location. However, our immigration officers are trying their utmost and are reaching out to the Chinese embassies and consulates to explore all the means and avenues to try to secure their safe return. This will be our top priority," he said.

The eight Hongkongers are believed to have been lured overseas with fake job offers and Cheuk said the government has updated its Outbound Travel Alerts page to warn people of the dangers of such scams.

Cheuk said officials have received about 20 trafficking reports involving Hongkongers since the beginning of the year, with 12 of the suspected victims now safe. Ten of them have since returned to the SAR.

The undersecretary added that a task force is being set up to tackle human trafficking to Southeast Asia.

Officials also advised people to be sceptical of online job advertisements offering high salaries without requiring candidates to have much in the way of work experience or academic qualifications.