64 South Koreans Return Home Under Arrest After Cambodia Detention
UPDATE: Sixty-four South Koreans detained in Cambodia for alleged involvement in cyberscam operations have just returned home under arrest. The group landed at Incheon International Airport on a chartered flight Saturday and was immediately taken into custody by law enforcement.
Authorities confirmed that the repatriation follows a coordinated effort between South Korea and Cambodia to tackle rampant scams that have ensnared South Korean nationals. During a recent visit, South Korean officials met with Cambodian counterparts to address the alarming rise of fake job offers and kidnapping schemes linked to these scams.
The South Korean police reported that all 64 individuals were arrested upon arrival as criminal suspects. This is significant under South Korean law, which treats a national carrier’s aircraft as domestic territory, allowing immediate action on arrest warrants.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated that the detained individuals included both those who participated voluntarily and those forced into these operations under duress. This situation highlights the growing problem of organized crime in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, where an estimated 1,000 South Koreans are believed to be involved in scam activities alongside a total of around 200,000 people from various countries.
The illicit industry has exploded in Cambodia, with reports indicating that victims, some coerced through violence, are involved in elaborate schemes such as “pig butchering,” which lures victims into cryptocurrency investments before ultimately stealing their funds.
“The abuses in Cambodia’s scam centres are occurring on a mass scale,”
says Amnesty International, shedding light on the horrendous conditions faced by many individuals trapped in this network.
Cambodian authorities have reported a significant crackdown on these operations, having arrested 3,455 fraud suspects from over 20 countries since late June. The government has also deported more than 2,800 foreign nationals involved in these scams, aiming to dismantle the organized crime rings responsible.
In addition to the scam operations, South Korean police are investigating the recent death of a South Korean college student in Cambodia, who allegedly fell victim to a crime syndicate. Found dead on August 8, the student’s death has raised further concerns about the safety of South Koreans in Cambodia, as an autopsy revealed signs of severe torture.
As the situation develops, experts warn of the urgent need for continued international cooperation to combat these crimes. The repatriation of these 64 nationals marks a crucial step, but the broader implications of human trafficking and forced labor in Cambodia must be addressed to prevent further tragedies.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to unravel this complex web of cybercrime and human rights abuses.
