South Korea has escalated its campaign against organized crime networks exploiting Cambodia’s online fraud industry, as authorities report the disappearance of 79 individuals lured by deceptive job offers and subjected to severe mistreatment. National Security Director Wi Sung-lac outlined the government’s intensified focus on dismantling these operations during a press briefing in Seoul.
These developments come as part of a broader international effort to curb cybercrime emanating from Southeast Asia, where criminal syndicates are increasingly leveraging online scams to exploit vulnerable populations. The South Korean government has been working closely with regional partners to strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation and disrupt these illicit networks.
Reports indicate that the victims, many from South Korea, were promised well-paying jobs but instead found themselves trapped in conditions resembling forced labor. The situation has sparked outrage among South Korean citizens and raised concerns about the safety of individuals engaging in cross-border work opportunities.
Wi Sung-lac emphasized the need for international collaboration to address the growing threat posed by these criminal operations. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from such exploitation, stating that South Korea will continue to push for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable.