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South Korea has repatriated 73 individuals suspected of involvement in large-scale online scam operations based in Cambodia, marking the country’s largest such return to date. Authorities say the suspects are linked to fraud cases that targeted more than 800 South Korean victims and caused financial losses estimated at 49 billion won, or about $33 million.
The suspects arrived at Incheon International Airport on Friday aboard a chartered flight. Television footage showed them wearing masks and casual clothing as they were escorted by police officers from the aircraft to a waiting bus. South Korean law enforcement officials confirmed that all 73 individuals will be questioned as part of an ongoing investigation into transnational online scam networks.
Speaking at a briefing at the airport, a senior police official issued a stern warning, stating that committing crimes overseas does not shield offenders from punishment. The official emphasized that South Korea will relentlessly pursue crimes that harm its citizens, regardless of where they are committed, and will hold perpetrators fully accountable.
The repatriation followed a joint investigation conducted by South Korean and Cambodian authorities. According to Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office, investigators uncovered seven scam centers operating in Cambodia. These facilities allegedly ran sophisticated online fraud schemes, including investment scams, impersonation fraud, and romance scams using advanced digital tools.
Among the suspects is a couple accused of using deepfake technology to manipulate their appearance and identities in online romance scams. Authorities allege the pair extorted approximately 12 billion won from 104 victims and even underwent plastic surgery to avoid detection. Another suspect is accused of posing as a professional investor to defraud retirees and entry-level workers of nearly 19.4 billion won.
South Korea’s foreign ministry confirmed it will continue close cooperation with Cambodia until transnational scam crimes are fully eradicated. The case highlights growing concerns over online scam operations in Southeast Asia and follows the October repatriation of 64 South Koreans in a related investigation.
