The majority of the Hong Kong people lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained there to engage in illegal work have safely returned to the city with the aid of its law enforcement agencies.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung made the statement in reply to questions from legislator Starry Lee in the Legislative Council today.

Mr Tang noted that sporadic requests for assistance were received early this year on incidents of Hong Kong residents suspected to have been lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained there to engage in illegal work.

He said law enforcement agencies have so far received 46 relevant requests and noted that 40 Hong Kong residents are confirmed to be safe and 30 of them have safely returned to the city and seven do not require further assistance.

A task force set up by the Security Bureau to co-ordinate follow-up actions by law enforcement agencies is actively assisting the remaining three to return to Hong Kong, he added.

The Organized Crime & Triad Bureau of Police has taken up the investigation. So far, 10 people were arrested for conspiracy to defraud and three of them have been charged.