Why Were 26 South Koreans Arrested in Cambodia?
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Synopsis
A recent police operation in Cambodia led to the arrest of 26 South Koreans suspected of scamming, with one victim rescued. This crackdown is part of South Korea's ongoing fight against international crime, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- 26 South Korean nationals arrested in Cambodia for alleged scam involvement.
- One victim rescued from confinement and torture.
- Operation involved cooperation between South Korean and Cambodian police.
- Ongoing efforts to combat online scams targeting South Koreans.
- Government committed to eradicating international organized crime.
Seoul, Dec 21 (NationPress) During a collaborative police operation in a border town between Cambodia and Vietnam, 26 South Korean individuals were taken into custody last week, with one Korean rescued from captivity, authorities reported on Sunday.
A coordinated effort by South Korean and Cambodian law enforcement on Thursday targeted a location in Mondulkiri province, situated in eastern Cambodia close to the Vietnamese frontier. The operation led to the detention of 26 South Koreans suspected of being part of scam activities, as indicated by the National Police Agency (NPA) and reported by Yonhap News Agency.
This raid also resulted in the liberation of a man in his 20s who had suffered confinement and abuse at the site.
In total, 40 Cambodian officers and four South Korean officials participated in the operation, according to the NPA.
The crackdown aligns with South Korea's intensified efforts to address crimes aimed at its nationals in Cambodia, including online scams, especially after the tragic torture and death of a Korean college student who was lured to a scam center in August.
So far this month, the joint task force from Seoul and Phnom Penh has apprehended 92 scam suspects and rescued two Korean victims.
"Through close cooperation between the police forces of both nations, we are committed to intensifying the fight against online scams and voice phishing crimes," stated an NPA representative.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung commended the officers involved in the operation and promised enhanced international collaboration to eliminate these crimes.
"I commend their commitment to achieving their mission despite the perilous and challenging conditions in unfamiliar territories," Lee expressed on X. He added, "We will further strengthen partnerships with global law enforcement agencies to dismantle international organized crime, including online scams and voice phishing operations."
On Friday, the South Korean presidential office revealed that since October, the nation has repatriated 107 citizens suspected of online scam involvement in Cambodia, as part of a broad initiative launched following the death of a Korean student in the Southeast Asian nation.
This extensive campaign commenced in October to tackle the rise in scam crimes targeting Koreans, initiated after President Lee Jae Myung mandated the formation of a special response unit to collaborate with Cambodian authorities to identify, apprehend, and repatriate suspects.
As of November, the total number of Korean suspects detained in Cambodia, including those awaiting repatriation, reached 154, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
The crackdown has significantly reduced the number of reports of Koreans being confined or missing in Cambodia, with cases dropping from 93 in October to just 17 in November, Kang noted.
The government has vowed to maintain a stringent approach to transnational crimes that jeopardize the safety of Koreans abroad.
“The government will persist in taking decisive and stringent measures against international crimes that threaten the lives and security of our citizens,” Kang stated.
During a government-wide meeting in late October, Lee ordered the creation of a special response headquarters involving the foreign and justice ministries, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement. A dedicated police unit was also established in Cambodia to specifically address crimes involving Korean nationals.
Point of View
We at NationPress stand firmly with the government in their efforts to combat transnational crimes that threaten the safety of our citizens. The recent operation underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between nations to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the South Koreans in Cambodia?
The 26 South Koreans were arrested during a police operation targeting a scam center near the Cambodia-Vietnam border, with suspicions of their involvement in fraudulent activities.
How many victims have been rescued in recent operations?
In recent operations, one victim was rescued during the latest raid, and a total of two Korean victims have been rescued this month.
What actions is South Korea taking to combat online scams?
South Korea is intensifying its efforts against online scams by collaborating with Cambodian authorities, apprehending suspects, and repatriating nationals involved in these crimes.
How many South Koreans have been repatriated since the crackdown began?
Since the crackdown commenced in October, South Korea has repatriated 107 nationals suspected of involvement in online scams in Cambodia.
What is the government's stance on transnational crimes?
The South Korean government has pledged to take strict action against transnational crimes that threaten the lives and security of its citizens.
