A young Chinese woman has been found wandering the streets of Cambodia in a distressed and disoriented state after allegedly being deceived by her boyfriend into travelling overseas, reigniting regional concerns over overseas job scams and human trafficking risks in Southeast Asia.
According to Chinese media reports, the woman was discovered abandoned near a hotel area in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Eyewitnesses described her as unkempt, with matted hair, visible bruises on her legs and difficulty walking. She was reportedly clutching medical imaging scans, believed to be X-ray or CT images, suggesting a possible leg fracture that had gone untreated for some time. Her condition quickly drew attention on social media, with netizens expressing alarm over her safety and mental wellbeing.
Investigations later revealed that the woman, surnamed Wu, is from Fujian province in China. Online users claimed she had been lured to Cambodia by her boyfriend, though the exact circumstances that led to her being left on the streets remain unclear. Videos and images of her circulated widely, amplifying public concern over young Chinese nationals falling victim to overseas deception schemes.
BACKGROUND EMERGES AFTER FAMILY CONTACTED
Wu’s father said the family only learnt of her overseas situation after police contacted him. He explained that his daughter had asked for money about nine days earlier, claiming she needed treatment for a leg injury. It was only after relatives spotted her photos online that the family realised something was seriously wrong. Subsequent police checks revealed that Wu had left China as early as April last year, with Cambodia believed to be her destination.
The father shared that his daughter, born in 2005, left school early and had been working away from home. She previously told her family she was employed in Zhejiang, but frequently requested financial assistance. Over time, the family had transferred more than 80,000 yuan to her, which is roughly equivalent to around SGD 15,000. Despite financial tensions, she remained in regular contact with her family until late December, when communication suddenly ceased.
Local authorities in China confirmed that her departure from the country placed the case outside their jurisdiction. Efforts by journalists to contact Chinese diplomatic offices in Cambodia were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
ONGOING CONCERNS OVER SAFETY AND SCAMS
Images later surfaced showing Wu receiving food at a local shelter, with claims that Cambodian authorities had arranged temporary assistance and medical care. However, she has yet to return to China, and the reasons behind her abandonment remain unresolved.
The case has sparked renewed discussion in Singapore and across the region about overseas employment scams, romance fraud and the dangers of unverified job or relationship offers abroad. Financial safety, travel insurance, and overseas medical coverage have once again become hot topics, especially among young adults seeking opportunities overseas.
Experts continue to urge families to stay alert, verify overseas job offers, and maintain regular contact with loved ones working abroad. As this case shows, a combination of emotional manipulation and financial dependency can quickly escalate into a serious overseas crisis, with long-term physical, mental and financial consequences.