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South Korea Forces Return of 73 Cambodian‑Detained Scam Suspects

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Seventy‑Three South Koreans Detained in Cambodia for Alleged Scam Operations Cambodian authorities, in a joint investigation with South Korea, held 73 nationals accused of operating online romance and investment scams that siphoned 48.6 billion won from 869 victims, including a deep‑fake romance ring that alone defrauded about 12 billion won [1][2][3][4]. The suspects, 65 men and eight women, were arrested at seven scam sites across Sihanoukville, Poipet and Mondulkiri Province in December 2025 [4]. Public outrage grew after a Korean student died amid reports of torture at the Cambodian scam centers, prompting intensified diplomatic pressure [1].

Joint Investigation Leads to Largest Forced Repatriation of Suspects A chartered Boeing 777 will depart Incheon International Airport at 20:45 KST on Friday, return at 09:10 KST the next morning, and transport all 73 detainees back to South Korea for immediate questioning [3][4]. The operation follows more than ten video‑conference rounds and a high‑level delegation visit in October, marking the largest repatriation after a coordinated raid by South Korean, Cambodian police and the National Intelligence Service [4][1]. Arrest warrants have been issued for every suspect, and authorities plan to seize concealed assets linked to the scams [4].

President Lee Orders Stern Measures and International Cooperation President Lee Jae Myung instructed senior aides to crack down on transnational crimes targeting Korean nationals, emphasizing that action must be taken wherever the offenses occur and urging close cooperation with foreign governments to trace and confiscate illicit proceeds [2][1]. He also linked the crackdown to broader policy support for the AI Basic Act, warning that AI‑driven scams require proactive regulation to prevent societal harm [2]. Lee framed the repatriation as essential to restoring mutual trust and preventing diplomatic friction [2].

Cambodian Detention Context and Ongoing Asset Confiscation Plans Cambodia has detained roughly 260 South Koreans in recent months; after this repatriation, about 60 remain awaiting transfer [1]. Since October, South Korea has already sent back about 130 suspects from Cambodia and more than 20 from neighboring countries [1]. The government announced plans to track and confiscate all criminal proceeds, extending investigations to assets hidden overseas [4][5].

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