Two M’sian teenagers return home safely after being deceived by a ‘high-paying’ job scam in Myanmar
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.
Three months after being scammed by a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar, two teenagers have finally returned safely to Malaysia.
The 14- and 15-year-old boys from Bera, Pahang, arrived in Malaysia on June 24 after various matters, including documents, were settled.
The syndicate initially released them on April 2 after their families paid a ransom.
The Syndicate could not find any use for them after failing to achieve their goals.
Tempted by higher pay
The 15-year-old victim said he was drawn to job ads on Facebook and Instagram.
The posting offered customer service jobs with salaries of RM5,000 and RM7,000.
The high salary is very attractive because I would also like more freedom. My boyfriend and I were taken to Myanmar on March 22nd where we were held at the Marwadi compound.
The 15-year-old victim tells of his ordeal and why he fell for the scam.
The victims were speaking at a press conference organized by the head of the MCA’s Public Services and Complaints Department, Datuk Seri Michael Chong, at the Wisma MCA on June 25.
The beginning of a nightmare
The boy only became aware of the syndicate’s scam when he was forced to work for a transnational scammer syndicate that allegedly stole millions of dollars from victims.
The syndicate gave him a pamphlet to talk about and told him to cheat the victim, who was a Chinese citizen overseas.
The duo were forced to work from noon to midnight every day and were paid around RM900 in meal allowances.
They were also patrolled by armed guards who closely guarded the syndicate compound.
As for accommodation, the victim said he was staying in a six-person room.
There are many people on the premises including other Malaysians. I also see people being punished for not doing their jobs, including cheating. Luckily, I escaped such punishment because my boyfriend and I were too young.
The 15-year-old victim on the treatment she received from her kidnappers.
The Connection of Myanmar Love Scam Syndicate.
Location: Southwest Myawaddy, Myanmar
Coordinates: 16.630884°N 98.556680°E
Around 1,000 Malaysians have been held hostage, with victims of other nationalities expected.
High density area based solely on the number of cars parked. https://t.co/mljymst5Vo pic.twitter.com/3zf4hSnouh
— GeoInt.MY (@GeoInt_MY) June 11, 2022
After about a week of work, the two victims failed to meet any goals set by the syndicate.
They appealed to the “boss” to release them, and they finally did so after their family paid the ransom.
pay the price
Meanwhile, Chong said the kidnappers initially demanded 300,000 yuan (RM198,951) from the two boys’ families.
After some negotiation on the phone, they agreed to release both for a smaller amount.
Chong said the traffickers were probably concerned about media coverage of human trafficking and wanted to get rid of the boy as soon as possible.
They took the boy to Thailand and put him up at a hotel in the border town of Mae Sot.
A business friend from Thailand takes care of them and manages their board and lodging.
The friend took care of the boy for about a month during which he helped with the boy’s documents with the help of the Thai and Malaysian authorities.
Datuk Seri Michael Chong on teenagers’ journey to freedom.
CONTINUE READING: 14-year-old KL boy is victim of job scam and almost smuggled into Thailand
Long way to freedom
They were then taken to Bangkok, where they were taken to the immigration detention center while their documents were prepared.
Finally, after three weeks in the detention center, her documents were completed with the help of the Malaysian embassy in Thailand and sent home on Friday.
Chong said the department had received about 78 reports of Malaysians being scammed by syndicates abroad.
There are 63 men and 15 women. Of the 78, 15 have returned.
The other eight are still in prison in Cambodia and we hope they will be brought back soon. We urge Malaysians to be more cautious about accepting such dubious job offers abroad.
Datuk Seri Michael Chong Warns Public Against Fraud.
CONTINUE READING: Malaysians are sold as “slaves” in Myanmar for up to 50,000 RM
Dear scam ring.
Gais semua hati2.Kalo kena makan x habis.Depa offer kerja mcm2 offer gaji sampai 4-5k sebulan.Dah sign up,depa seludup keluar sampai Myanmar.Kt sana habis kena pegang.Pukul & belasah setengah mati.Ugut & ransom kat family sampai 70-80k Kalo Nak Balik.
Facap !— Just call me Q (@MisterQ_14) June 9, 2022
Let us know what you think about TRPs Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
Comments are closed.