South Koreans Repatriated from Cambodia Amid Scam Center Crackdown
Repatriation of South Koreans from Cambodia
Over 60 South Koreans detained in Cambodia for alleged involvement in online scam operations have been repatriated to Seoul, where they now face criminal investigations. The group arrived at Incheon International Airport under police escort, many appearing in handcuffs covered with cloth. Their return follows a crackdown on scam centers across Cambodia, which have drawn thousands of foreign nationals, including about 1,000 South Koreans, into fraudulent schemes[1][4][6].
Context Behind the Return
This repatriation was prompted by the death of a South Korean student reportedly forced to work in a scam center in Cambodia, sparking public outrage and a government delegation sent to Phnom Penh for joint action discussions. Authorities are investigating whether the repatriated individuals willingly participated or were coerced into the scams via deceptive job advertisements[2][3][6].
Broader Implications and Response
The surge in online scams, intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, has created dual victims: coerced workers and defrauded targets worldwide. South Korean officials have imposed travel bans on affected Cambodian regions and are actively removing illegal job ads to prevent further exploitation. Collaborative efforts with Cambodian authorities aim to dismantle these criminal networks that generate billions annually[4][6].
