A Chinese criminal organization is accused of orchestrating a wave of crimes targeting Korean nationals in Cambodia, having allegedly built a sprawling “criminal empire” across Southeast Asia. South Korean authorities are investigating teh group’s involvement in voice phishing, online fraud, and, in certain specific cases, organ harvesting, with victims lured to Cambodia under false pretenses of high-paying jobs. The escalating situation has prompted urgent diplomatic efforts and a growing number of rescue operations aimed at repatriating Korean citizens trapped in the illicit networks.
The crimes, which began to surge in late 2022, exploit vulnerable individuals with promises of lucrative employment opportunities in Cambodia’s burgeoning online gaming industry.Though,upon arrival,many are coerced into participating in illegal activities,facing threats of violence,imprisonment,and financial ruin. The scale of the operation suggests a highly organized network with deep roots, extending beyond Cambodia into neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that hundreds of Korean citizens are currently held against their will, with reports indicating the organization generates tens of millions of dollars annually through its criminal enterprises.
