HK captives abroad thought to be safe: Chris Tang
Secretary for Security Chris Tang says a dozen Hongkongers believed to have fallen prey to human trafficking gangs are still believed to be detained in Southeast Asia, but they have all had some form of contact with the authorities and are thought to be generally safe. The 12 are feared to have been lured abroad via jobs scams and are being held prisoner while they are forced to take part in boiler room scams. Victims of the gangs have spoken of suffering or witnessing violent beatings. Thirty-two other Hongkongers recently sought assistance after allegedly suffering a similar fate, but they have since secured their freedom, Tang said. He added that authorities have been in touch with the 12 who are still thought to be in trouble, either directly or through their relatives. “Although their personal freedom is limited, overall speaking they are safe. We are trying different means to assist them,” Tang said in an interview with RTHK. The security chief said the SAR authorities will work with empathy and a people-oriented attitude when trying to secure the release of the Hongkongers. Tang added that a dedicated WhatsApp service for people to report human trafficking cases has been effective. “Ever since we set up the hotline on the 20th of August, we’ve received over 600 cases. Six of them are from alleged victims or their family members,” he said.