Hong Kong authorities actively rescue people lured by online scams

PHOTO HKSAR GOVERNMENT The central government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government are actively rescuing Hong Kong people who were lured by online scams into Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, and are detained to engage in illegal work there.

The Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Police Force have received 17 and 12 requests for assistance since January, and 12 Hong Kong people have left the places safely, according to a statement by the Security Bureau on Thursday.

A spokesman for the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR said that the office has been actively searching for Hong Kong people who are out of contact with related departments.

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The office has made Hong Kong-related consular protection a priority and will make every effort to safeguard the safety and legitimate interests of overseas Hong Kong compatriots, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson advised Hong Kong compatriots to be alert, avoid gambling and other illegal activities, as well as to avoid online fraud, gambling and other illegal activities because of the current security situation in Myanmar.

The Security Bureau said in its Thursday statement that it is concerned about the incidents and reminds members of the public to be vigilant against employment fraud.

The statement said that it appeals to people to guard against claims of opportunities to make quick money, and jobs that offer extraordinarily high pay with no specific requirements for academic qualification or relevant work experience.

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Overseas Hong Kong people who need assistance can call the 24 - hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at 852 -- 1868, phone the 1868 hotline by network data call via the Immigration Department Mobile Application or submit the Online Assistance Request Form, the bureau said.