Cambodian authorities are preparing to send 73 South Korean nationals back home this week after detaining them in connection with alleged online scam operations across Cambodia, officials confirmed. The repatriation effort marks one of the largest coordinated actions against cross-border cybercrime involving South Korean citizens to date.
Suspects to Face Cybercrime Investigations in Seoul
A chartered flight will depart Cambodia carrying 65 men and eight women suspected of orchestrating or supporting online scams that defrauded dozens of victims in South Korea out of roughly 48.6 billion won (about $33 million), according to government sources. Upon landing, the group is set to be handed directly to investigative authorities for questioning and legal proceedings.
The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on organized fraud networks operating in Southeast Asia, especially scam compounds where individuals are allegedly coerced into running romance and fake investment schemes targeting victims across the region.
Background: Rising Cybercrime Pressure in Southeast Asia
The repatriation follows months of heightened scrutiny of cybercriminal hubs in Cambodia and neighboring countries. Reports of online fraud operations proliferating in compounds where foreign nationals — often lured by false job offers — are forced to participate in scam campaigns have drawn international concern. Many victims face financial loss and, in some cases, severe mistreatment.
This week’s transfer succeeds earlier efforts that saw South Korea bring home about 130 suspects from Cambodia and nearly 30 others from surrounding nations. Despite these efforts, authorities estimate that dozens more South Koreans remain detained in Cambodia as the crackdown continues.
South Korea’s Continued Fight Against Online Fraud
South Korean officials have pledged to intensify their campaign against transnational online scams, saying tackling such crimes — from voice phishing to digital fraud rings — remains a top priority. The government has also stepped up diplomatic cooperation with Cambodian counterparts to ensure suspects are brought to justice and that vulnerable nationals are protected from exploitation.
