Nearly 10 Japanese Missing in Cambodia

Police in Fukuoka say almost ten people from the prefecture are currently unaccounted for in Cambodia, raising fears they may have been drawn into scam operations.

According to NHK World, the disappearances have unfolded over the past two years, with several Japanese nationals vanishing after travelling to Cambodia. Investigators believe some may have become involved in “special fraud” schemes, where criminals impersonate officials or relatives to trick victims into handing over money.

One case involves a university student who accepted a free overseas trip offered via social media. He later texted his family to say he was in Cambodia, before disappearing. Location data confirmed his phone was in the country. His mother told Japanese media she is deeply worried and hopes her son will return safely.

Police warn that such offers of free travel or high‑paying jobs advertised online are often linked to criminal networks. They have urged the public to avoid responding to these promotions, stressing the risks of exploitation abroad.

The reports come amid growing concern about scam operations in Southeast Asia, where foreign nationals are sometimes recruited under false pretences and coerced into illegal activity.

For now, families in Fukuoka are left waiting for answers, as authorities in Japan and Cambodia work to trace the missing individuals.

-2026-02-21