The Hong Kong police confirmed on 31/8 that the officer is safe and still in Cambodia. Authorities will send a team of police officers and diplomatic staff to assist his return home.
Initial reports indicate that the officer told his superiors he needed leave to care for his mother who had been injured in a car accident in mainland China. After entering the mainland through the Shenzhen checkpoint on 22/8, he did not return to work in Hong Kong. Instead, he traveled to Cambodia via Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. At the scam center in Cambodia, he presented his police identification and was subsequently released.
After his escape, he called the Ma On Shan police station on 27/8 for help.
The station said it received several calls from an unknown number from a man claiming to be a police officer. He provided his name and badge number, explaining he had been tricked into going to Cambodia and needed assistance.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department is coordinating with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide support and monitor the investigation.
Security Bureau statistics show law enforcement agencies have received reports of 29 Hong Kong residents trapped in Southeast Asian scam centers since last year, not including this latest case.
Of these, 26 have returned safely to Hong Kong, while two said they no longer required assistance or monitoring.
Hai Thu (Theo Global Times, SCMP)
