13-9-2023 (YANGON) In a harrowing ordeal driven by false promises of employment in Singapore, a Chinese doctor found himself trapped in a compound operated by a criminal syndicate in Myanmar. The doctor, whose real name is withheld, had initially traveled to Myanmar in August of the previous year with hopes of securing a job in Singapore. However, upon arrival, he was taken to a heavily guarded compound where he endured captivity, constant surveillance, and even imprisonment under suspicion of leaking confidential information.
The doctor’s plight came to public attention when a Weibo user, “Dubitabam,” shared his story on September 11. According to the post, the doctor had recently returned to China on September 5, but had been unable to provide updates due to ongoing investigations and an illness. The doctor, identified as Zhang Shi, had faced financial difficulties and sought employment opportunities abroad due to the challenging job market in China amid the pandemic.
After discovering a company in Singapore hiring customer service staff, Zhang went through the necessary procedures to secure the position. The company assured him that they would assist with his visa application, allowing him to work overseas. However, due to pandemic-related restrictions and Zhang’s unvaccinated status, his visa application faced significant delays. As an interim solution, the recruiter suggested that Zhang work at the company’s branch in Thailand.
Initially, Zhang’s experience in Thailand seemed promising. He described the accommodations as excellent and had the chance to explore the company’s official website and videos, which dispelled any doubts about its legitimacy. However, on August 15, 2022, after arriving in Mae Sot, a town on the Thailand-Myanmar border, Zhang was taken to a compound where his mobile phone and identity card were confiscated. The captors claimed it was for confidentiality reasons and promised to provide him with a new phone later, raising suspicions in Zhang’s mind.
It was later revealed that the heavily guarded compound was located in Myawaddy, southeastern Myanmar. Zhang was effectively held captive and closely monitored by the criminal syndicate. Additionally, he was coerced into signing a one-year contract and forced to scam individuals in English-speaking countries due to his fluency in English. The syndicate used him as part of their fraudulent activities.
Zhang’s family received a ransom demand in May, which they paid by sending 120,000 yuan (approximately S$22,400). However, after the payment, their contact with Zhang was abruptly severed when the account became frozen. Concerned for his safety, Zhang’s brother reported the situation to the police, who then involved the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.
A Wei, a volunteer and businessman from China involved in rescuing victims in similar situations, confirmed Zhang’s story. A Wei noted that many victims, in general, were either aware of or involved in fraudulent activities. However, Zhang disagreed with this claim, asserting that the majority of victims were deceived into becoming scammers. He emphasized that most victims were in their 20s and 30s and expressed a desire to escape their captivity but faced challenges due to fears of leaking secrets and lack of unified action.
During his time in the compound, Zhang worked for at least 15 hours every day, with no limits on overtime. He initially received a monthly pay of around 6,000 yuan (approximately S$1,120), but his subsequent earnings were based on commissions tied to his performance, which he claimed he never received. Zhang mentioned that the syndicate employed hundreds of workers, but their ability to scam people had declined over time due to increased awareness and vigilance among potential victims.
Zhang, now free from captivity, hopes to warn others about falling into similar traps. As he made his way out, he witnessed others still being deceived into entering the compound, and he wishes for their eventual liberation.
