Cambodia to Repatriate 59 South Koreans Amid Crime Probe

Cambodia will repatriate 59 South Korean nationals on Friday, including four women, following a series of arrests and rescues linked to criminal investigations, the country’s National Police confirmed on Thursday.

The individuals are being returned to South Korea under joint coordination with the South Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh. According to a police statement, some were detained for various offences, while others were rescued by Cambodian authorities. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of transnational crime networks operating in Southeast Asia.

South Korean media previously reported that as of August, around 80 South Korean nationals remained unaccounted for in Cambodia. In response, Cambodian officials say they are actively investigating the matter and continuing search efforts.

The repatriation announcement follows a troubling development last week: a South Korean woman in her 30s was found dead near the Vietnam–Cambodia border on 7 October. Her body was discovered under unclear circumstances, prompting investigations by both Vietnamese and South Korean police.

The woman’s remains were autopsied before being returned to her family, and authorities in Seoul have launched an internal probe after receiving a formal complaint from relatives. Early reports suggest a possible link to a voice phishing gang, though no official confirmation has been made.

The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in the region, particularly in areas where criminal syndicates are known to operate. Voice phishing scams, often run by transnational groups, have become a growing problem across Southeast Asia, targeting victims through fraudulent calls and online schemes.

Cambodia’s decision to repatriate the 59 South Koreans is seen as part of a broader effort to address these concerns and strengthen cooperation with international partners. However, with dozens still unaccounted for and investigations ongoing, questions remain about the scale of criminal activity and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

As authorities continue to unravel the network behind these cases, the spotlight is once again on the region’s porous borders and the urgent need for coordinated action against organised crime.

-2025-10-17