Chinese influencer rescued after Cambodia job scam

The Chinese embassy in Cambodia has confirmed it located a young woman, identified only as Wu, who was found in poor health after being stranded on the streets of Sihanoukville. Wu, an internet celebrity with more than 24,000 followers on a short‑video platform, told officials she had been lured to Cambodia by the promise of a “high‑paying job” before ending up homeless.

According to a statement released on Sunday, embassy staff coordinated with Cambodian police and local contacts to track her down after reports circulated online of a Chinese woman wandering destitute with an injured leg. She was eventually discovered at a hospital on Saturday afternoon, where her condition was described as extremely weak.

The consular office arranged her transfer to another facility for treatment and has since contacted her family to prepare for her return to China.

Wu’s father later confirmed that the social media account linked to the case was indeed his daughter’s, and verified that the photographs and passport details circulating online were genuine. The family had lost contact with her on 26 December and had already filed a police report.

The embassy used the incident to issue a warning to Chinese nationals about the dangers of overseas recruitment scams. It stressed that many so‑called “high‑paying jobs” abroad are tied to illicit industries such as online gambling, telecom fraud and drug trafficking.

Victims, it cautioned, risk illegal detention, violent abuse and even threats to their lives.

Images shared by netizens showed Wu appearing haggard and clutching a CT scan report. Her last video post was dated 6 December 2025, with her IP address registered in Cambodia.

The case highlights the growing risks faced by young people enticed by fraudulent job offers in Southeast Asia. While Wu is now receiving medical care and awaiting repatriation, officials reiterated that personal safety must take precedence over the lure of quick earnings abroad.

-2026-01-06