South Korean authorities are seeking to formally arrest most of the 64 citizens repatriated from Cambodia, where they were allegedly involved in online scam operations. The group, detained over several months, returned to South Korea on a charter flight on Saturday and is currently under investigation to determine if they willingly participated in the scams or were coerced.
The rise of online scams, particularly in Southeast Asia, has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting many victims who are forced to work under threats of violence. Monitoring groups estimate that these scams generate billions for international criminal organizations. The Korean National Police Agency has requested arrest warrants for 58 of the returnees, who are accused of various fraudulent activities targeting fellow South Koreans.
While five individuals have been released, police have not disclosed the reasons for their freedom. Reports indicate that some returnees reported being physically abused while held in Cambodia. The situation has sparked public calls for stronger protections for South Koreans against such exploitation.
In response to the crisis, South Korean officials estimate that around 1,000 citizens remain in scam centers in Cambodia. Authorities have implemented travel restrictions to certain areas and dispatched a delegation to discuss joint measures. Recent reports highlight an alarming trend of victims being trafficked from distant regions, including South America and Europe, to these scam centers.
