An incident recently in China saw a Chinese television actor being misled into believing he would star in a TV show for an established Thai entertainment firm, only for him to be kidnapped and brought illegally into Myanmar where they forced into participating in fraudulent activities for which there is an official statement available here. He became coerced into taking part in fraudulent schemes located near a renowned casino town as per official statements released about this matter.
Wang Xing (known by his professional nickname of Xingxing), had appeared in multiple highly rated Chinese TV dramas before his arrest by Myanmar authorities on January 7 and brought back to Thailand as per Thai police for further inquiry into missing person reports that were filed three days prior.
Wang disappeared after travelling willingly to Mae Sot, Thailand a town bordering Myanmar where he expected to meet TV producers but instead described being taken hostage and transported across the border by various individuals.
Semi-Lawless Realms
According to Wang, he was taken to a large compound and forced into having his hair shaved; leaving was not an option. Wang reported seeing approximately 50 other individuals inside this facility all sporting similarly-shaved heads as part of an operation targeting Chinese nationals for scam operations.
Fear paralyzing Wang prevented him from challenging his captors, however his account is supported by initial investigations of Wang’s phone communications, according to police comments.
Authorities believe Wang headed toward Myawaddy, an area located five miles inside Myanmar with numerous unregulated casinos and known for attracting Chinese migrants.
This region has emerged as a hotbed of Chinese-funded gambling ventures and extensive fraud hubs connected with organized crime syndicates, often operating within quasi-lawless zones overseen by Myanmar Border Guard Force, an unofficial militia composed of former ethnic insurgents that has pledged allegiance to military junta while still maintaining significant autonomy.
Enclaves of Organized Crime
Local projects associated with triad connections include Yatai New City, initiated by She Zhijiang who made headlines for his illegal gambling exploits prior to being captured, and Saixigang Industrial Zone which is associated with Wan Kuok-koi (better known by his nickname of Broken Tooth), one time leader of Macau triads.
Wang’s experience highlights that many individuals sucked up by these scamming activities across Southeast Asia may also be victims of human trafficking.
China was gripped by shock as news of Wang Xing’s abduction spread, drawing widespread public outrage online and via social media platforms like WeChat. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra quickly pledged efforts to repair any potential damage done to Thailand as a tourist destination by this incident.
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