A total of 59 South Koreans accused of being involved in online scam operations in Cambodia have been repatriated in handcuffs to South Korea.
The group landed at Incheon International Airport on Saturday morning, just days after a South Korean delegation visited Cambodia to discuss the growing number of scam-related kidnappings involving Korean citizens.
Crackdown on Southeast Asian Scam Networks
According to the United Nations, around 200,000 people across Southeast Asia have become victims or participants in such online scam centres. Many were attracted by offers of high-paying jobs, while others were forced to take part against their will.
The repatriation comes after reports that a South Korean student involved in one of these scam networks died after being allegedly tortured in Cambodia, as reported by Reuters. Another five South Koreans have also been deported for separate criminal offences.
Arrests and Investigation
Most of the suspects were caught during a crackdown by Cambodian authorities. Five of them reportedly turned themselves in, seeking to escape the criminal network, according to BBC Korea.
After arriving in Seoul, the individuals were taken directly to police stations for further questioning. Officials said they were formally arrested on board the chartered flight under South Korean law, which treats national carriers’ aircraft as Korean territory, allowing authorities to carry out arrest warrants during flight.
Statements from South Korean Officials
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said that some of the repatriated individuals participated in the scams willingly, while others were forced. However, he noted that most should be considered to have committed criminal offences.
Cambodia and South Korea Strengthen Cooperation
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed on social media that he had met with a South Korean official to discuss ways to tackle cybercrime and transnational online scams. He said both countries would continue to work closely to “prevent and suppress online scams more effectively.”
Regional Efforts Against Online and Crypto Scams
The repatriations come shortly after the United States announced a major operation against a Cambodian business group accused of running a massive cryptocurrency scam. Authorities seized more than $14 billion worth of bitcoin linked to the operation.
Across Southeast Asia, scam centres have been tied to several types of cybercrime, including crypto fraud, job scams, and romance scams — also known as “love scams” — where criminals pretend to form romantic relationships to steal money.
The United Nations estimates that such centres generate billions of dollars in profits for organized crime groups every year.
