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South Korea Returns Scam-Linked Nationals Under Arrest Amid Rising Concerns Over Cambodian Operations.
A chartered flight carrying 64 South Korean nationals arrived at Incheon International Airport on Saturday after the country's authorities sent a team to Cambodia to investigate dozens of its citizens allegedly involved in online scam operations. The individuals, both voluntary and involuntary participants in scam schemes, have been taken into custody as criminal suspects upon their return.
The move comes as concerns over Cambodia's thriving online scam industry continue to grow, with tens of thousands of workers perpetrating "pig-butchering" scams, also known as romance scams, targeting people globally. These operations often involve cryptocurrency investment schemes that build trust before funds are stolen, leaving victims financially devastated.
Cambodia has become a hub for large-scale scam operations, with many owned by wealthy and politically connected individuals. An estimated 200,000 people work in these scams, including about 1,000 South Korean nationals. The country's authorities have faced criticism over their inability to curb the industry effectively, leading to widespread exploitation.
In recent weeks, international pressure has mounted on Cambodia's government to address its growing online scam problem. The US and UK recently announced sweeping sanctions against a multinational crime network known as the Prince Group, which operates "scam centres" across the region. Prosecutors have linked the group to wire fraud and money laundering charges against its chair, Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi.
The case highlights the growing global concern over online scams and the need for stronger cooperation between countries to combat these crimes. As Cambodia continues to grapple with its own scam problem, South Korea's decision to ban travel to parts of the country is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to protect its citizens from exploitation.
The recent death of a college student in Cambodia who was reportedly kidnapped and tortured by a crime ring has raised further concerns over the safety and well-being of foreign nationals operating in the country. As investigations into these incidents continue, it is essential that authorities prioritize protecting vulnerable individuals and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
A chartered flight carrying 64 South Korean nationals arrived at Incheon International Airport on Saturday after the country's authorities sent a team to Cambodia to investigate dozens of its citizens allegedly involved in online scam operations. The individuals, both voluntary and involuntary participants in scam schemes, have been taken into custody as criminal suspects upon their return.
The move comes as concerns over Cambodia's thriving online scam industry continue to grow, with tens of thousands of workers perpetrating "pig-butchering" scams, also known as romance scams, targeting people globally. These operations often involve cryptocurrency investment schemes that build trust before funds are stolen, leaving victims financially devastated.
Cambodia has become a hub for large-scale scam operations, with many owned by wealthy and politically connected individuals. An estimated 200,000 people work in these scams, including about 1,000 South Korean nationals. The country's authorities have faced criticism over their inability to curb the industry effectively, leading to widespread exploitation.
In recent weeks, international pressure has mounted on Cambodia's government to address its growing online scam problem. The US and UK recently announced sweeping sanctions against a multinational crime network known as the Prince Group, which operates "scam centres" across the region. Prosecutors have linked the group to wire fraud and money laundering charges against its chair, Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi.
The case highlights the growing global concern over online scams and the need for stronger cooperation between countries to combat these crimes. As Cambodia continues to grapple with its own scam problem, South Korea's decision to ban travel to parts of the country is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to protect its citizens from exploitation.
The recent death of a college student in Cambodia who was reportedly kidnapped and tortured by a crime ring has raised further concerns over the safety and well-being of foreign nationals operating in the country. As investigations into these incidents continue, it is essential that authorities prioritize protecting vulnerable individuals and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.