The local 20-year-old youth, previously feared by his family to have fallen victim to overseas scam syndicates or even to have become a "drug mule" or "money mule," has been confirmed arrested by Hong Kong police on suspicion of involvement in two fraud cases and is currently assisting local authorities with their investigation.
Although the family has not yet been able to meet with the youth surnamed Chen, they have at least confirmed his whereabouts, thus unraveling the mystery of his disappearance for over a month and finally putting to rest their fears about him being missing.
Datuk Seri Michael Chong, Head of MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, stated on Friday (July 17) in a press release that the 52-year-old parent of the victim went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (16th), seeking help with his missing son after holding a press conference, upon Chong's suggestion.
The press release stated that Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials subsequently confirmed to Chong's assistant that the victim's son had been arrested by Hong Kong police on June 25.
The statement revealed that based on preliminary information, the youth is suspected to be involved in two fraud cases, and as the investigation is ongoing, the family is not able to meet with him at this stage.
Chong noted that although the youth is under investigation by Hong Kong police, the family has at least confirmed his whereabouts and safety, ruling out concerns that he was lured overseas into scam compounds by crime syndicates, bringing them some temporary relief.
He expressed hope that the youth would proactively cooperate with Hong Kong police, and believes that the local law enforcement will handle the case lawfully and fairly.
He also stated that the department will continue to follow up on the case, keep in touch with the family, and, if necessary, assist in arranging legal counsel to provide legal advice.
On another note, regarding recent cases of Malaysian youths involved in criminal cases overseas—including a 19-year-old Malaysian recently arrested at Hong Kong International Airport for allegedly bringing in marijuana buds—Chong urged local and foreign law enforcement agencies not only to investigate those implicated according to law, but also to trace the masterminds and criminal syndicates behind the scenes, to tackle transnational crime at its source.
He revealed that he has privately contacted National Narcotics Crime Investigation Director Dato' Husin, who tasked him to remind the public, especially young people, not to be tempted by offers of high-paying jobs, free travel, or easy money, and never to carry luggage, packages, bank cards, or handle suspicious funds on behalf of strangers, so as not to become "drug mules" or "money mules."
Chong emphasized that once exploited by a criminal syndicate, an individual may not only be subject to criminal investigation and imprisonment, but may also lose their future, paying a steep price.
Background
The youth surnamed Chen, who worked at a mobile phone shop, previously claimed to be traveling to Thailand with his former boss. He left the country on the 14th of last month and had been missing for more than a month.
Since the youth’s mother is Thai, the family had been traveling back and forth to Thailand once or twice every year in the past, so they did not become suspicious at first.
About two weeks ago, the father received a call from a Cantonese-speaking stranger claiming that his second son had been arrested by Hong Kong police over a case, but did not specify case details or his own identity. Afterwards, when the family called back that number, it could no longer be reached. They eventually reported to police for help and held a press conference with Chong.