South Koreans Rescued from Job Scam Captivity in Vietnam

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Three South Koreans have been freed from illegal captivity in Ho Chi Minh City after falling prey to a job scam orchestrated by a Chinese national, promising lucrative work opportunities in Vietnam.

On Tuesday, Ho Chi Minh City police announced the arrest of Luo Shenghua, a Chinese national, alongside three Vietnamese accomplices, all facing charges of "illegal detention." The arrests followed a report from the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam, alerting local authorities about the unlawful confinement of the three South Koreans.

The ordeal began when the victims, seeking employment, were contacted via social media. An enticing offer promised them high-paying jobs in Vietnam, with all expenses covered, including flight tickets, accommodation, and airport pickup. Trusting the proposal, they submitted passport photos and flew to Vietnam on 14th August.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, the trio were taken to a hotel and subsequently moved to the Emerald Golf View apartment complex in Lai Thieu. There, the situation took a sinister turn. Luo and his accomplices demanded the victims either sell bank accounts or pay a hefty "compensation fee" of approximately 124,000 Thai Baht (4.5 million won) for their release.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Criminal Police Department quickly launched an investigation, coordinating with various units to track down the victims. They were eventually located and rescued from the apartment complex during a police raid. Two guards involved in their illegal detention were also arrested.

Investigators revealed that Luo enlisted three Vietnamese men to guard and confine the victims, paying them between 728 and 1,456 Thai Baht (VND500,000 and VND1 million) for their services.

The case underscores a disturbing trend of foreign trafficking rings utilising fraudulent recruitment schemes to lure unsuspecting individuals with promises of easy money and legitimate jobs. Once they arrive, victims are detained and extorted for money, posing a significant threat to public safety and order.

Ho Chi Minh City police are now broadening their investigation, collaborating with authorities in other provinces to dismantle the trafficking network. This operation highlights the need for heightened vigilance among job seekers and increased international cooperation to combat cross-border scams.

Authorities urge individuals to verify job offers thoroughly and report any suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to such schemes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in pursuing overseas employment through unverified sources, emphasising the importance of caution and due diligence.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-27