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In a heart-wrenching appeal to China’s authorities, hundreds of families from the U.S., Taiwan, and other parts of China have come together to seek assistance in rescuing their loved ones who were captured in a human trafficking ring in Myanmar. The operation is centered on reports of nearly 1,800 individuals rescued from scam gangs operating along the Thailand-Myanmar border.
The efforts gained momentum when social media advocates stepped forward, notably actor Wang Xing and his girlfriend Jiajia, whose relationship inspired a campaign to find others victimized by similar scammers. Wang’s story highlighted the growing impact of their cause as families increasingly turn to social media for help in tracking missing loved ones.
China has acknowledged the need to assist these victims but faces challenges, including legal restrictions on filing reports and limited international support from other Southeast Asian nations. The UN reports that human trafficking rings are thriving there, often involving vulnerable men and women lured by promises of easy money.
Wang’s advocacy, while facing obstacles such as not being able to file a police report for his own missing husband due to legal barriers, has sparked hope among families who believe increased attention could help them seek justice. Meanwhile, China is making efforts to shift its focus toward addressing the issue more comprehensively.
The campaign underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to tackle this growing crisis and ensure that those caught in such scams are not only rescued but also held accountable.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-families-appeal-free-relatives-held-by-scam-gangs-myanmar-2025-01-22