Malaysian Man Escapes Cambodian Job Scam Center, Describes Captive Torture

A Malaysian man has escaped a forced labor compound in Cambodia after his family paid a ransom. He now describes systematic torture and abuse affecting hundreds of other captives. Muhammad Syafiq Pubalan Abdullah, 40, said he was held by a job scam syndicate. His wife secured his release by paying 6,000 ringgit (US$1,456) and reporting his case to Malaysian police. He estimates roughly 700 people, aged 17 to 35, remain trapped in the center. During his first week, guards beat him daily. Other captives face similar torture, Abdullah reported. He said guards beat female victims with a belt and described hearing that one woman was raped.