Due to suspected frauds, over 60 South Koreans left Cambodia and returned home.

Over 60 South Koreans Repatriated from Cambodia Amid Internet Fraud Crackdown

More than 60 South Korean nationals have returned home after being detained in Cambodia for alleged involvement in online fraud schemes.

A total of 59 individuals, escorted in handcuffs, arrived at Incheon International Airport on Saturday morning. They were flown back just days after South Korea dispatched a special investigation team to Cambodia to inspect scam centers accused of abducting and exploiting Korean citizens.

According to the UN, an estimated 200,000 people have been victimized by scam operations in Southeast Asia—many initially lured by false promises of high-paying jobs, only to be forced into criminal activity.

Torture Death Case Triggered Urgent Action

South Korean officials reportedly intensified actions after learning of the alleged torture and death of a South Korean student who had been coerced into scam operations in Cambodia, as reported by Reuters.

In addition to the 59 suspected fraud participants, five more South Koreans were deported for separate criminal offenses, bringing the total number of returnees to over 60.

Voluntary and Forced Participation Reported

According to BBC Korea, while five gang members voluntarily surrendered and escaped the network, most were captured during a crackdown by Cambodian authorities.

A South Korean official told AFP that the detainees were taken into custody immediately after boarding the chartered flight, which—under South Korean law—is treated as national territory, allowing the execution of arrest warrants mid-flight.

Officials: Crimes Likely Committed

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac stated that the group included individuals who were both “voluntarily and involuntarily” involved in scam operations, but added that “the majority should be regarded as having committed crimes.”

Upon arrival, they were transported directly to various police stations for further investigation.

International Cooperation Against Cybercrime

The repatriation coincided with high-level cybercrime talks. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed on social media that he met with South Korean officials to discuss joint efforts to combat internet fraud.

“Cambodia and the Republic of Korea will continue to strengthen our collaboration to prevent, suppress, and combat online scams more effectively,” he wrote.

Global Crackdown Intensifies

This development follows a recent U.S. government crackdown on a Cambodian-based business empire accused of operating a massive crypto scam, resulting in the seizure of over $14 billion (£10.5bn) in Bitcoin.

Online fraud in Southeast Asia spans multiple criminal formats, including:
✅ Crypto fraud
✅ Romance or “love scams”
✅ Job scam coercion
✅ Identity theft and financial fraud

The UN estimates these scam centers generate billions of dollars annually for transnational criminal groups.