South Korea Seeks Arrests of 58 Nationals Repatriated from Cambodia Over Online Scam Allegations

South Korean authorities are seeking arrest warrants for the majority of 64 nationals repatriated from Cambodia over allegations of involvement in online scam operations. These individuals were detained in Cambodia for allegedly working in scam centers that have proliferated in Southeast Asia since the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting victims primarily in South Korea and other countries through romance scams, fake investment pitches, and voice phishing. Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether these nationals participated voluntarily or were coerced, with some returnees reporting physical abuse and forced labor. The surge in these scams, which generate billions annually for international criminal syndicates, has led to public pressure in South Korea for stronger measures to protect citizens from exploitation abroad. The repatriation and arrests follow increased cooperation between South Korean and Cambodian authorities and highlight the broader issue of human trafficking and forced participation in scam rings in the region. Authorities expect courts to decide on the arrest warrants soon, while investigations continue into the released individuals and the overall scam networks.