South Korea has intensified its efforts to combat sophisticated online scam networks operating in Cambodia, announcing additional rescues of its citizens and arrests of suspects following a recent death that sparked public outrage.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed that two more South Korean citizens were rescued, and approximately 10 South Korean suspects were arrested during recent operations. This marks a significant escalation in the nation’s response to organized crime targeting its populace abroad.
The intensified crackdown follows widespread anger in South Korea over the alleged torture and death of a South Korean student by a scam network in the region.
Cambodian authorities apprehended the 10 suspects during a raid on Thursday. The two victims were rescued on the same day. All are slated for repatriation to South Korea this week.
This latest operation builds on earlier efforts that saw over 60 South Koreans linked to these crimes repatriated.
To further address the issue, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to hire 40 additional consular staff. The ministry also intends to deploy consular officers from South Korean diplomatic missions in neighboring countries on a rotational basis to manage the increased workload.
Additionally, an “early warning system” will be launched for the Southeast Asian region. This system aims to provide quicker and more efficient consular assistance to South Korean citizens, with a particular focus on online scam issues.
Officials affirmed that the crisis will not impact South Korea’s ongoing Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in Cambodia. A senior ministry official stated that linking the incident to ODA would be inconsistent with the country’s stance and would be seen as using aid as a bargaining tool.
However, the ministry may consider utilizing ODA to bolster Cambodia’s public security capabilities, such as supporting local police. The Cambodian government has acknowledged the situation and is cooperating, concerned that inaction could harm its vital tourism industry.