Myanmar Scam Syndicate Detains 2 More Malaysians, Demands $100,000 Ransom and Taunts Not Afraid of Police

Two more young Malaysians have recently been deceived into working in Cambodia, only to be imprisoned in Poipet, a town on the Thai border. One of the victims was even extorted by the scam syndicate for a ransom of as much as $100,000, and shockingly begged his rescuers with the message: "Don't rescue me, I'm afraid you might get harmed!"

Dato' Hisham, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Humanitarian Organization (MHO), held a press conference with the families of the two victims on Friday. He stated that both youths were tricked by so-called "friends" or "agents" into going to Cambodia under the pretense of high-paying jobs or overseas internships, only to find themselves caught in the trap of a scam syndicate and now unable to escape.

He pointed out that the organization has formally requested the Cambodian authorities, the local task force, as well as the relevant Malaysian diplomatic units to immediately take action to locate the two victims and provide assistance.

Victim Accused of Wrongdoing   Demanded $100,000 Compensation

The telecom scam syndicate demanded $100,000 in "ransom" from the family of the victim. When warned that the police would be called, the syndicate brazenly retorted, "We're not afraid of the police!"

Ms. Ye from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, said that her 20-year-old brother had worked in customer service in Kuala Lumpur, and was unemployed for half a year before being persuaded by “Lao Ban and Xiao Zhuli” to go abroad for a "4-month internship program."

She, accompanied by her mother, said that only when her brother left between late September and early October did he realize the actual destination was Cambodia.

"He was able to contact us normally for the first two days, then suddenly called crying saying that he was beaten and that we needed to pay money to ransom him. At first, they asked for 10,000 ringgit, then reduced it to 5,000 ringgit. After we didn’t pay, he lost contact."

She said tearfully that her brother later contacted them briefly again, but was clearly being monitored and could only talk about family matters. He also warned the family, "Don’t say anything reckless, be careful." Afterwards, he sent a terrified message admitting he "did something wrong", and that the group demanded $100,000 in compensation or else would never let him go.

"My brother cried and said he was afraid we’d be in danger. He would rather we not rescue him!"

She stated that when they tried to negotiate, the syndicate said they were not afraid of the police, so her mother lodged a police report for help on Wednesday (the 3rd).

Family Hopes Brother Returns Home Safely for Christmas

22-year-old man cheated by a friend; his family hopes for a reunion this Christmas!

Amanda (28), the sister of another victim from Melaka, revealed that her brother, who worked in the food & beverage industry, was deceived by someone claiming to be a friend into going to Cambodia to work as a waiter, only to discover he was being held captive upon arrival. He has been difficult to reach for months.

She said her family occasionally received messages from him in October and November, but there was very little content and he could not say much.

“Our mother worries every day and cannot sleep. We cannot concentrate at work, constantly thinking about where he is and how he is doing.”

She said that so far, no ransom has been demanded by the captors, but the brother’s actual condition remains unknown. The family is extremely worried for his safety and hopes the authorities will act immediately.

She hopes her brother will return home safely for the coming Christmas to celebrate the festive season with family.