The Security Bureau’s dedicated task force will continue to follow up on cases in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk said at the Legislative Council meeting today.

In response to lawmaker Yung Hoi-yan’s questions, Mr Cheuk explained that from 2023 to January 2025, law enforcement agencies received 28 such cases. Among them, 19 people have already returned to Hong Kong. For the remaining nine individuals, the Security Bureau believes that eight are in Myanmar while one is in Cambodia.

Last month, Mr Cheuk led the task force, comprising members from the Security Bureau, Police and Immigration Department, to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet Thai authorities.

The task force then established direct contacts with relevant Thai authorities to enhance future communication and exchange of intelligence, with a view to handling the cases more effectively, Mr Check highlighted.

Separately, he noted that from 2023 to January 2025, Police arrested 11 people in connection with job scam cases where victims were lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work. The suspects were involved in offences such as conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and obtaining property by deception.

During the same period, two individuals charged with conspiracy to defraud were convicted and sentenced to 36 months’ and 56 months’ imprisonment respectively.

In view of the recent scam cases, Mr Cheuk stressed that the Government will continue to strengthen publicity, including a promotion on social media platforms, distribution of anti-scam leaflets to travellers heading to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, and making good use of media reports.

He added that in light of cases where suspects met victims in bars and entertainment venues, Police have also sent officers to hand out leaflets in such places across the city.