University student from China en route to Thailand for Songkran allegedly trafficked to Myanmar by scam syndicate

A university student from Guangdong, China, who was travelling to Thailand for the Songkran Festival, allegedly got trafficked to Myanmar by a scam syndicate, according to Chinese media reports.

Her family has since paid about US$30,000 (S$38,309) in ransom via stablecoins, but the woman has reportedly not been released as the syndicate repeatedly gave reasons for holding her.

Authorities in China have reportedly opened an investigation into the case, Sin Chew Daily reported.

Travel invitation reportedly turned into cross-border trafficking case

The student, identified only as "Xiao Yang", is a first-year student at a university in Guangdong.

She had apparently flown from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Thailand on Apr. 10.

She had intended to go on a short trip before returning home on Apr. 15.

However, she reportedly failed to meet the friend who had had invited her over and was instead taken away by a stranger.

Two days later, she was reportedly brought to the Three Pagodas Pass area near the Myanmar border, where she is suspected to have been sold to a syndicate, according to Sin Chew Daily.

Another friend of Xiao Yang's noticed her disappearance after realising something was amiss.

The friend then reached out to Xiao Yang's father, who then repeatedly tried to reach his daughter by phone.

Family paid ransom after receiving threat

On Apr. 13, a person colloquially referred to as “kind older brother” allegedly contacted Xiao Yang’s father and said he had “bought” his daughter for 29,000 United Stables stablecoins, worth approximately US$30,000 (S$40,000).

He then demanded US$30,000 from the family and warned that Xiao Yang could be resold or harmed if they reported the matter to the police.

Her father subsequently raised the funds and transferred approximately US$30,000 later that same day.

But the woman's release has since been delayed several times, even though the caller reportedly promised she would be let go after payment was made.

The individual allegedly cited reasons, such as Songkran festival-related road closures and administrative procedures, for the delay.

Student still able to contact family, but situation unclear

As of Apr. 22, the caller reportedly told the family that Xiao Yang was unable to leave the compound where she was being held despite the ransom being paid.

According to Sin Chew Daily, Xiao Yang has been able to maintain contact with her family via mobile phone, but her actual condition remains unclear.

Her family reported the case to the police on Apr. 14 and an investigation has since been opened.

The university has sought out the provincial public security department and education authorities in Guangdong for assistance.