South Korean authorities are seeking court approval to detain dozens of citizens brought back from Cambodia, accusing them of participating in large-scale online fraud networks operating across Southeast Asia.
Police said on Monday that requests have been filed to detain 58 of the 64 repatriated nationals, while one individual is already in custody. The returnees were arrested in Cambodia over the past several months and are suspected of involvement in voice phishing, romance scams, and “no-show” fraud operations.
According to the United Nations, scam centres in Southeast Asia, which proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic, generate billions of dollars annually for criminal networks. The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of people work in these centres, some lured by promises of high-paying jobs and others forced into participation under threats of violence.
The repatriation followed the death of a South Korean student who was lured to Cambodia under the pretense of a legitimate job, heightening public concern and prompting swift government action.
In response, the South Korean government has issued a “code-black” travel advisory for parts of Cambodia due to rising cases of detention and fraudulent employment schemes. Authorities have also established a task force to assist nationals coerced into working in scam compounds and to secure the release of those held against their will.
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