The family of a 21-year-old woman are fearing the worst following her disappearance for the past three months after falling into the clutches of what they believed is a ‘love scam’ syndicate.
As such, they have employed the help of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) in hopes of tracking her down and bringing her back safely.
Flew to Bangkok to meet China BF
Speaking at a press conference organised by MHO, the brother of Chen Limin (transliteration) said she had worked as a cashier in Singapore after finishing secondary school.
He added she later got into a relationship with a man from China, which prompted her to quit her job and fly all alone to Bangkok to meet up with him on April 28.
Since then, Chen’s family has not heard from her since her trip to Bangkok, reported China Press.
Received call from BF
Chen’s brother revealed that was one instance where his aunt got a call from Chen’s phone number, where the caller identified himself as her boyfriend.
He claimed that Chen did not want to speak directly to the family, so he was calling to borrow RM1,700 on her behalf. He said it was to buy something, but never explained what was it for.
“During the call, we could faintly hear her voice. We never heard her mention having a Chinese boyfriend. After we transferred the money, we couldn’t reach her anymore and we suspect she fell into a love scam,” he added.
Might be a victim of human trafficking
MHO Secretary-General Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, who was also present, said Chen’s family had contacted the Malaysian embassy in Thailand, where it was confirmed that she had flown from Johor’s Senai International Airport to Thailand.
However, there was no further record of her leaving the country after that, which suggested she may have become a victim of human trafficking.
“We suspect she may have been smuggled through illegal routes into Myanmar. Based on our past experiences, victims who go missing after entering Thailand are often trafficked into Myanmar.
“We urge those with information on Chen’s whereabouts to come forward to assist in rescue efforts,” he said.
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