Seoul, South Korea – Dozens of South Koreans repatriated from Cambodia on Saturday are expected to face police investigations as authorities probe their alleged involvement in online scam operations.The return of 64 South Koreans, arriving at Incheon International Airport after a chartered flight from Phnom Penh, follows a recent surge in concern over citizens trafficked into adn working within illicit cybercrime networks in Cambodia.
The repatriations come after the death of a South Korean student in Cambodia,reportedly due to being forced to work in a scam center,sparked public outcry and prompted a diplomatic response from Seoul.A South Korean government delegation traveled to Phnom Penh for discussions on collaborative efforts to address the issue.
Cambodian authorities detained most of the returnees during crackdowns on scam centers. South Korean National Security Director Wi sung-lac stated that investigations will focus on determining whether the individuals willingly joined thes organizations or were coerced through deceptive job advertisements.
South Korean officials estimate approximately 1,000 of its citizens are currently working in Cambodian scam centers,which collectively employ an estimated 200,000 workers. These centers have proliferated since the COVID-19 pandemic, exploiting individuals as scammers while defrauding victims through bogus investment schemes, illegal gambling operations, and romance scams. Monitoring groups estimate these scams generate billions of dollars annually for international criminal gangs.
In response to the crisis, South Korea implemented a travel ban Thursday for certain areas of Cambodia, including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, where the student’s body was discovered. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has as requested a review of these restrictions. President Lee Jae Myung has also directed authorities to urgently address and remove illegal job advertisements throughout Southeast Asia.
Interpol reported in June that the scope of these scam operations has expanded beyond Southeast Asia, with victims now originating from South America, Western Europe, Eastern Africa, and new centers emerging in the Middle East, West Africa, and Central america.
