(ECNS) -- Chinese and Thai police have arrested 12 suspects linked to telecom fraud in Myawaddy, Myanmar, the Ministry of Public Security announced on Friday.
Earlier this month, Chinese actor Wang Xing, also known as "Xingxing," went missing near the Thai-Myanmar border. Fortunately, Thai police located him in Myanmar, rescued him and sent him back home on Jan. 10.
Following his rescue, 174 families submitted a form titled "United Appeal for 174 'Xingxing' Trapped in Myanmar". Under thorough police investigation and active coordination with embassies and consulates abroad, some of the individuals have successfully returned home safely.
The investigation also revealed the missing cases of Chinese nationals were linked to a cross-border human trafficking group hiding in the township of Myawaddy in Myanmar.
Since December 2024, the criminal group has used WeChat to post fake job ads for actors, models, and crew members. Victims were lured with job promises, provided with travel arrangements, and trafficked through Thailand to Myawaddy, where they fell victim to telecom fraud.
The ministry said it will maintain a high-pressure crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud and make all-out efforts to rescue the trapped individuals.
It also warns the general public of deceptive tactics used by overseas fraud syndicates, which often promise high-paying jobs, free meals and accommodations, free air tickets or other enticing offers.