KUALA LUMPUR: A teenager here became a victim of forced labour when he took part in a company trip to Thailand two years ago.
The 19-year old was expecting a joyous holiday trip, but it turned into a nightmare due to it being an elaborate scam.
The victim's mother, who only wanted to be known as Madam Tan, 51, told China Press that her son was only 17 years old when he was deceived and sold into forced labour.
She said her son was coerced into signing a one-year contract at a scam centre and forced to extend the contract after it had expired.
Now aged 19 year, Madam Tan's son was recently released by the criminal syndicate after they demanded a ransom of more than RM25,000 for his release.
The scam unfolded over two years ago, when the boss of a local illegal online gambling company, where the victim worked, organised a trip to Thailand as a way of thanking them for their hard work.
It is understood that the boss lured employees with promises of high salaries. After pandemic travel restrictions were lifted, he planned the company trip as a reward.
However, the boss had secretly conspired with a crime syndicate in Myanmar, and all the employees were forced into into labour at the foreign country..
"My son joined a Kuala Lumpur-based online gambling company more than a year ago through a friend's recommendation.
One day, his boss announced a company trip to Thailand. I was worried my son might be sold into slavery and tried to stop him, but he dismissed my concerns.
Madam Tan said more than 30 employees, including her son, participated in the trip.
Despite her warnings, her son insisted on going for the trip.
However, he lost contact with his family during the trip. This led to Madam Tan to panic and report him missing to the police.
"I didn't hear anything from my son for a while,and when I finally received a message from him, I learned he had been sold into forced labour in Myanmar."
Madam Tan's son said that her son was told that he needed to either find someone else as a replacement for him or pay a ransom to secure his release."