Xu Bochun, left without a job in Shanghai due to pandemic layoffs, decided to take up a month-long opportunity as a movie extra in southwest China for some quick cash. However, things took a sinister turn as he was kidnapped by armed men after being tricked into a fake role. Xu was then forcibly taken to northern Myanmar, beaten, and sold to a criminal group involved in cyber scams. His family had to pay a ransom to secure his release in October.
Xu’s story is just one of many, as thousands of Chinese nationals were involved in similar trafficking incidents in Kokang, Myanmar, until a crackdown led by Beijing. These victims were lured in through fraudulent job postings and then forced into criminal schemes, with many being scammed online.
The issue of human trafficking in this region, predominantly led by Chinese criminal gangs, is a growing concern. The lack of a global response has allowed the exploitation of victims from various countries, facilitated through platforms like WeChat and Facebook, to continue. The U.S. State Department has recognized the problem, with Cambodia and Myanmar now facing potential penalties for their involvement in human trafficking operations.
The plight of individuals like Xu highlights the need for greater awareness and action to combat the exploitation of vulnerable populations for criminal activities.
