Myanmar Scam Syndicate Frees Chinese Student After Recognizing Potential

Peng Yuxuan, a 19-year-old Chinese student from Shaanxi province, was lured into a telecom fraud scam syndicate in Myanmar after responding to a job ad for a live-stream host promising high pay and travel expenses. Following multiple transfers across locations near the China-Myanmar border, Peng was taken to a scam compound where his head was shaved, but he was not forced to commit fraud. Upon learning that Peng had recently taken the national college entrance exam (gaokao) and recognizing his youthful potential, the gang's ringleader decided to release him, stating that Peng had a bright future and did not belong there. Peng was then escorted to the United Wa State Army (UWSA), which handed him and other rescued victims over to Chinese authorities at the Meng’a border checkpoint. The case attracted national attention in China and prompted a joint police investigation with Myanmar authorities. Peng expressed relief and happiness upon being rescued and returned home safely.