Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Tang Ping-keung, has reiterated the government's determination to rescue citizens who have fallen victim to human trafficking and forced labor scams in Southeast Asia. Speaking on a radio program today (Jan. 19), Tang stated that the government's ultimate goal is to bring the victims back to HK safely and as quickly as possible, using "any feasible and legal methods."
Following the recent rescue of a 25-year-old man who returned to HK on Jan. 16, Tang highlighted the government's extensive efforts, including intelligence and information exchanges with other countries, to combat such scams. When asked whether ransom payments were involved, Tang responded that all legal and appropriate methods are considered on a case-by-case basis. He also urged families of victims to cooperate closely with the police, noting that not all successful rescues required ransom payments.
Tang further explained that the government has not raised HK's travel alert for Thailand, as these scams typically occur outside Thailand or in specific circumstances where individuals are lured abroad, rather than being abducted on Thai soil. He stressed that the travel alert level reflects the actual risks to the general public.
Citing 2022 data, Tang revealed that the government received 46 requests for assistance from trafficking victims and successfully helped 43 of them return to HK. The remaining three individuals, after being contacted, expressed no desire to return.
Tang reaffirmed the government's dedication to aiding all remaining victims, working with local and international authorities to ensure their safe return.
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