Mid-January 2025, the Chinese entertainment industry was shocked by news that actor Wang Jing and model Yang Zhaqi had gone missing in Thailand. They were later found to be victims of a large-scale human trafficking ring. The main suspect, Nhan Thập Lục (real name Nhan Tuân Phong), was arrested by Thai police and extradited to China for investigation.
Human Trafficking Ring and Deceptive Tactics
Nhan Tuân Phong was once a martial arts actor in China. However, in recent years, he established his own company, operating under the guise of talent management for supporting roles and extras in films. His modus operandi involved luring unemployed or lesser-known artists with promises of high pay, accommodation, and travel expenses for foreign film projects.
Once in Thailand, these artists lost contact with their families and were transported across the border into Myanmar. There, they were tortured, beaten, and coerced into participating in fraudulent telecommunications activities. Many victims were also threatened with organ trafficking or trained as professional fraudsters.
Victims and Severe Consequences
Actor Wang Jing, one of the victims, shared harrowing experiences of being held captive. He was forced to learn how to type and make scam calls. After his rescue, Wang Jing suffered from severe psychological distress, rapidly lost weight, and continues to struggle with dark memories.
Model Yang Zhaqi was another victim, lured to Thailand with promises of a major film project, only to fall into the trafficking ring’s trap. Fortunately, both were rescued in time by Thai police.
Dismantling the Ring and Arresting Suspects
After receiving information from the victims, Chinese police collaborated with Thai authorities to dismantle the trafficking ring. Nhan Tuân Phong, the primary suspect, fled China immediately after Wang Jing’s rescue but was eventually captured in Thailand.
Other suspects, including Kim Lão Hổ (owner of the labor brokerage company Apollo Huy Hoàng) and Kim Xán (the person who directly deceived Wang Jing), were also apprehended. This marks a significant victory for law enforcement in the fight against human trafficking.
Conclusion
This case has exposed a serious issue within China’s entertainment industry: unemployment and lack of job opportunities make many artists vulnerable to the traps of criminal rings. It is hoped that with the dismantling of the trafficking ring and the arrest of key suspects, authorities will continue to protect the rights and safety of artists.
