What Happened to the 64 South Koreans Detained in Cambodia?
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Synopsis
In a significant return, 64 South Koreans detained in Cambodia over online scams have arrived back home. This repatriation follows the tragic case of a college student's death, sparking outrage and leading to investigations. Most of the returnees are expected to face serious criminal charges. The operation highlights the dangers of job scams abroad.
Key Takeaways
- 64 South Koreans repatriated from Cambodia.
- Most face criminal probes in South Korea.
- Triggered by the death of a South Korean student.
- South Korean authorities conducted the largest repatriation operation.
- Many victims of job scams in Cambodia.
Yeongjongdo, Oct 18 (NationPress) A total of 64 South Koreans who were held in Cambodia for their alleged involvement in online scams returned home early Saturday on a chartered flight. According to police officials, most of these individuals are expected to face criminal investigations as suspects.
This significant repatriation occurred in the wake of public outrage in South Korea, stemming from the torturous death of a South Korean college student, who was enticed to work in Cambodia by a criminal syndicate.
The Korean Air flight landed at Incheon International Airport at 8:35 a.m., approximately five hours after departing from Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh.
Their return followed the dispatch of a South Korean government response team to Cambodia, aimed at assisting the nationals connected to online scams orchestrated by local criminal networks.
Upon boarding the plane, the South Korean nationals were reportedly arrested and are to be taken to police stations across the country for further investigations into their alleged criminal activities.
According to the law, detention warrants can be executed aboard national flag carriers, as these are treated as South Korean territory.
In August, a South Korean university student was discovered to have been tortured and murdered in Cambodia, just a month after being lured there by a job scam, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
This incident highlighted the increasing number of South Koreans being lured to Cambodia with enticing job offers, only to be coerced into participating in online scams, often while facing confinement and violence from criminal organizations.
The returnees are accused of engaging in online scams within criminal complexes in Cambodia. Of the 64, 59 were detained following a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, while the others were rescued after they reported their confinement.
Most of these individuals are expected to face criminal charges in South Korea, with some even being subject to Interpol Red Notices.
All of them had been detained by Cambodian immigration officials, and the total number exceeded the 59 reported by the Cambodian authorities.
This operation marks the largest endeavor by South Korean authorities to repatriate nationals accused of crimes from a single foreign nation and is the third operation of its kind.
To ensure safety, around 190 police officers accompanied the returnees on the flight.
At Incheon International Airport, 23 vehicles were ready to transport the suspects to police stations.
Point of View
Our duty is to provide an unbiased perspective on the recent repatriation of 64 South Koreans involved in online scams in Cambodia. This case underscores the complexities of international crime and the need for greater awareness and safety measures for our citizens abroad. We stand with the nation in seeking justice and accountability.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the South Koreans detained in Cambodia?
They were detained for their alleged involvement in online scams operated by local criminal groups.
What triggered the repatriation of these individuals?
The repatriation was prompted by public outrage following the torture and murder of a South Korean student in Cambodia.
What will happen to the returnees upon arrival in South Korea?
Most of them will face criminal investigations and charges related to their involvement in the scams.
How did the South Korean government respond?
A response team was dispatched to assist the detained nationals and facilitate their return.
What are the implications of this incident?
This incident highlights the risks associated with job scams abroad and the need for increased vigilance among South Koreans.
