TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The foreign ministry and prosecutors are investigating a suspected case of human trafficking involving a Kaohsiung woman in her 20s who was reported missing on Wednesday (Nov. 13).
The investigations began after a Pingtung man surnamed Chen (陳) told police he had lost contact with his daughter after she arrived in Thailand for travel, per CNA. Chen said he had received a message asking for a ransom for her return.
Chen said he had not heard from his daughter for nearly a week when he contacted police. Police said after receiving the report they notified the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office and the foreign ministry.
The foreign ministry told CNA on Wednesday it is working with its representative office in Myanmar to find the woman. The ministry said there have been many suspected cases of Taiwanese being taken by fraud groups from Myanmar after entering Thailand and reminded the public to be vigilant.
The missing woman’s father told LTN that his daughter was tricked into flying to Thailand by a friend who offered to pay for her travel. Police said the woman is confirmed to have arrived in Bangkok on Nov. 6 and they are clarifying media reports that the woman was forced into an unidentified vehicle shortly after landing.