On 17/8, Hoang’s sister shared details of her brother's ordeal in Myanmar with the media, hoping to warn other young people about such scams.

Hoang, from Guangdong province, met his 17-year-old girlfriend, Chau, at a billiards hall in 2024. They connected on WeChat, became romantically involved, and eventually moved in together.

Upon meeting Chau, Hoang’s sister was surprised by her provocative attire and apparent designer accessories. Chau claimed to be from Fujian province, with government official parents and family business investments. However, the sister suspected the items were counterfeit and felt Chau was exaggerating her status. She couldn't understand her brother's infatuation.

19-year-old Hoang pictured with his 17-year-old girlfriend, Chau, before being trafficked. Photo: Xiaoxiang

The nightmare begins.

Chau convinced Hoang to join her in Myanmar for a supposed family business opportunity. On 2/2, Hoang left for Bangkok with Chau, without informing his family. "We only found out he was in Thailand through his social media post," his sister recalled.

At the Thai-Myanmar border, Chau abandoned Hoang under a false pretense. He was then apprehended by armed men, who confiscated his passport and phone, and transported him to an online scam center in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

At the center, Hoang’s head was shaved, and he was forced to participate in online scams. Failure to meet quotas resulted in confinement and severe beatings. The management informed him that Chau had sold him for 100,000 CNY (approximately 366 million VND) and he was now their property.

Hoang was forced to work 16 to 20 hours a day, enduring constant abuse and starvation. The overseers frequently beat him with iron rods, causing significant weight loss and hearing damage.

When Hoang proved ineffective at scamming, the center demanded compensation for his return. Meanwhile, his family, with the assistance of the Chaoshan Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, negotiated his release for a ransom of 350,000 CNY (over 1.2 billion VND).

Hoang returned to China in June, significantly thinner, with darkened skin and visible injuries.

After selling Hoang, Chau spent 10 days in Thailand before being apprehended by Chinese police upon her return. She is currently facing prosecution for suspected fraud.

Hoang's family hopes Chau will receive a severe punishment. "Who would have thought a 17-year-old girl could do such a terrible thing?", his sister said.

Tue Anh (via Xiaoxiang Morning News)