Seoul is mounting a high-level diplomatic and law enforcement push to combat extensive online scam operations in Cambodia, where an estimated 1,000 South Korean nationals are involved and a recent death has escalated the crisis.
The South Korean President ordered the immediate formation of a joint government task force to address the issue. The task force, comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, and Ministry of Justice, is led by Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jin-ah.
The team departed for Phnom Penh on Oct. 15 to engage with high-level Cambodian officials. Their mission includes advocating for a dedicated South Korea-Cambodia Joint Task Force to combat online crime and establishing a “Korean Desk” within the Cambodian National Police Agency to coordinate cases involving South Korean citizens.
The South Korean government also plans to boost Cambodia’s security capabilities through official development assistance projects. Additionally, it will increase embassy staff in Phnom Penh to better support South Korean citizens at risk.
Between January and August of the current year, more than 330 South Koreans or their relatives reported being lured into scams or held against their will in Cambodia. While over 80% of these cases have been resolved, 79 remain under active investigation.
The situation significantly intensified in early 2024. A South Korean university student was reportedly tortured to death in Cambodia in August, igniting widespread anger in South Korea. The repatriation of the student’s body was delayed as Seoul pressed for a joint autopsy with Cambodian authorities, a request recently granted.
Wi Sung-rak, Director of South Korea’s National Security Office, stated on Oct. 15 that the government had received numerous reports of its citizens working in online scam businesses targeting users globally, including within South Korea. Internal agencies estimate approximately 1,000 South Koreans are involved in these operations, which employ over 200,000 individuals from various countries in Cambodia.
South Korea will push for the swift repatriation of more than 60 arrested citizens for further questioning, as some may have voluntarily participated in the scam activities. Those found guilty will face immediate prosecution under South Korean law.
Authorities are also developing measures to prevent rescued individuals from returning to scam centers. This includes coordinating with Cambodia to ban re-entry for those previously arrested. The government is also considering elevating travel advisories for Cambodia, particularly in areas rampant with such crimes, to deter citizens from being ensnared by deceptive “high-income job offers.”
“The most important thing is to help our citizens escape dangerous areas quickly and establish a stable cooperation system with Cambodian authorities to end online scams that are causing severe damage to victims and the country’s image,” Wi said.