7 Months Inside an Online Scam Labor Camp::A man was abducted by a Chinese gang and forced to work in a scam operation. He gathered financial information, photos and videos and shared the material with The New York Times.

  • DoctorButts@kbin.melroy.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    1 year ago

    A good read. I can’t think of any specific examples, but I feel like I have read several other similar accounts from abducted persons elsewhere.

    The cynic in me thinks that ‘Dragon’ could possibly be an extended part of the scam rather than a virtuous hero. Lu’s parents still sent him $37,000 after the rescue was over.

    • jet@hackertalks.com
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      yeah, dragon even admits to paying off the military.

      The big plus of Dragon is that they are endorsed by the Chinese police, so even though they pay money, they have a better chance of actually getting their family member back.

  • tun@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    There, the government is powerless. Thugs rule with virtual impunity, backed by the local ethnic armed groups that they pay for security.

    There are different armed groups. Some of them have a business relationship with the Military officials. Border Guard Force (BGF) is one of them.

    In northern Shan state of Myanmar, Northern Alliance (alliance between 3 EThnic armed groups) handed over the similar gang to the Chinese government after capturing the cities.

  • Mr_Dr_Oink@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    1 year ago

    I genuinely read that 3 times as 7 “moths” inside an online scam labour camp. And was like, “shit, the news is really scraping for stories today!”