China Airport Official Wang Xing Under Investigation

Chinese Actor Wang Xing Kidnapped, Forced to Work in Myanmar Scam Center

Chinese actor Wang Xing was kidnapped by a Myanmar-based fraud group in January 2025 and forced to work in a scam center, according to reports. The incident highlights the growing problem of human trafficking and cybercrime along the Myanmar-Thailand border.

Wang Xing, also known by his stage name Xingxing, travelled to Bangkok from Shanghai after being offered a fraudulent acting role. He was subsequently transported to Myawaddy, a border town in Myanmar. The kidnapping came to light after his girlfriend, Jiajia, launched a viral social media campaign pleading for his rescue.

Following Jiajia’s campaign, Chinese and Thai authorities collaborated on an investigation to locate and rescue Wang Xing. He was found four days after his abduction.

The kidnapping is part of a larger trend of increased criminal activity in the Myanmar-Thailand border region, particularly concerning cybercrime. The area, including cities like Mae Sot and Myawaddy, has seen a surge in scam centers and human trafficking operations in recent years, fueled by ongoing insurgencies in Myanmar.

Since the 2021 coup d’état in Myanmar, the number of scam centers, such as KK Park, has reportedly increased significantly. These centers exploit individuals by trafficking them into Myanmar from various countries and forcing them to participate in fraudulent schemes.

A January 2025 report by the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking estimated that over 6,000 people from 21 countries are being held captive and forced to work in scam centers within Myanmar. The Global Organized Crime Index has labelled Myanmar as “the biggest nexus of organized crime” in the world for 2025.

Wang Xing was born on November 13, 1993.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of individuals lured by false promises of employment and the complex challenges faced by authorities in combating transnational crime in the region. The collaborative effort between Chinese and Thai authorities in securing Wang Xing’s release demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues.

The rise in scam centers in Myanmar is linked to the instability following the 2021 coup, creating an environment where criminal organizations can operate with relative impunity. The trafficking of individuals into these centers represents a severe violation of human rights and a growing concern for international law enforcement agencies.