What kind of abuse did the rescued victims endure?

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Rescued Victims Endured Trafficking and Severe Abuse

Philippine authorities have rescued 29 individuals, primarily from Myanmar and China, who were allegedly victims of human trafficking and forced labour within the online gaming sector. These individuals were recruited under false pretences and subsequently subjected to exploitative working conditions, physical abuse, and confinement, with their passports confiscated and exorbitant fees demanded for their freedom.
Forced Labour and Deception in Online Scams

The rescued individuals, comprising 23 from Myanmar and six from China, were initially recruited in Dubai to work as "customer service representatives." Upon arrival in the Philippines in March, their passports were seized, and they were compelled to work 14-hour days. Their duties involved engaging online with potential clients, encouraging them to "play and invest money" as part of a sophisticated scam operation disguised as legitimate gaming company activities.
Financial Exploitation and Unpaid Wages

After working for only one month, the victims received a single month's salary. When they attempted to resign and return home, they were transferred to a different company and informed that they would have to pay 550,000 pesos (approximately $9,400) each before they would be permitted to leave. This demand effectively trapped them, as they were unwilling to continue working under such conditions and lacked the financial means to secure their release.
Physical Abuse and Subsequent Sale

Faced with non-compliance, the victims were subjected to severe physical abuse. They were reportedly locked in a room, beaten, and electrocuted with a taser, with no access to food or water. Following this ordeal, they were sold for 3.5 million pesos to another company, where they were informed that they would need to repay this purchase price, further entrenching their predicament. Since 2019, Philippine authorities have rescued 97 victims of human trafficking, with 62 of those being Chinese nationals.

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What kind of abuse did the rescued victims endure?

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