PHNOM PENH, October 23, 2025 — Cambodian authorities have arrested 57 South Korean nationals accused of involvement in a large-scale cyber fraud operation, as part of the country’s ongoing effort to dismantle transnational scam networks that have proliferated across Southeast Asia.
According to Cambodia’s National Anti-Cybercrime Commission, police raided a building in Phnom Penh on Wednesday believed to be the center of an extensive online scam ring. The operation resulted in the arrest of 57 South Koreans and 29 Chinese nationals, and the seizure of 126 computers and 30 mobile phones allegedly used in fraudulent online activities.
Widening Crackdown on Transnational Cyberscams
The latest arrests underscore Cambodia’s intensifying crackdown on the multibillion-dollar cyberscam industry, which has ballooned in recent years. Thousands of people — both local and foreign — are believed to be working in criminal syndicates running online scams, some voluntarily, while others are coerced through fake job offers and human trafficking schemes.
Authorities say many victims are lured with promises of legitimate employment but end up forced to work in online fraud centers targeting victims worldwide.
“This is part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate illegal cyber operations and restore Cambodia’s reputation,” the commission said in a statement released Thursday.
South Korea Denies “Fresh Arrests,” Confirms Earlier Detentions
However, in a statement to AFP, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry clarified that no new arrests had taken place. The ministry said the 57 South Koreans were originally detained in July, and that many were repatriated on October 18 after a months-long investigation and diplomatic negotiations.
The apparent discrepancy has not yet been clarified by Cambodian authorities, and officials from the anti-cybercrime commission could not be reached for comment late Thursday.
Over the weekend, Cambodia deported 64 South Korean nationals implicated in “pig butchering” scams — elaborate online investment or romance frauds where perpetrators gain victims’ trust before stealing large sums of money.
Rising Tensions After Student’s Murder Sparks Outcry
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny following the torture and killing of a South Korean college student in Cambodia earlier this year, allegedly at the hands of a cybercrime gang. The incident sparked widespread outrage in South Korea and renewed pressure on Cambodian authorities to act against criminal networks exploiting foreign nationals.
Last week, South Korean Foreign Ministry officials met with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and senior police officers to discuss enhanced cooperation against online scam syndicates and illegal job centers.
“The safety of South Korean citizens abroad remains a top priority,” said Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, adding that authorities are working closely with Cambodian officials to locate missing nationals and dismantle criminal organizations operating across Southeast Asia.
Scale of the Problem: Thousands Still Missing
South Korea’s foreign ministry estimates that around 1,000 South Korean nationals may still be trapped or working in cyber scam operations across Cambodia. As of October, approximately 550 South Koreans have been reported missing or detained against their will since last year.
Authorities in Seoul say that the scale of Cambodia’s cybercrime industry has reached alarming levels, with up to 200,000 people — including citizens from China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysia — believed to be working in illicit online fraud centers.
Cambodia’s Efforts to Restore Credibility
Facing international pressure, Cambodia has launched nationwide raids, tightened visa controls, and expanded cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and ASEAN partners.
“Our government is committed to eliminating cybercrime and human trafficking,” said a spokesperson from the Cambodian Ministry of Interior. “Those who exploit our country’s digital infrastructure for criminal gain will face prosecution.”
Experts warn, however, that despite recent progress, criminal syndicates continue to adapt, relocating operations to remote regions or neighboring countries to evade detection.
Outlook: Regional Cooperation Key to Ending Online Fraud
The latest arrests highlight the regional nature of cyber fraud, with scam centers frequently spanning multiple countries. Both Cambodia and South Korea have pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing, extradition processes, and digital forensics cooperation to combat the growing threat.
As governments across Asia struggle to contain the spread of cyberscams and human trafficking-linked fraud, the case serves as a stark reminder of how organized crime has evolved in the digital age — exploiting global connectivity to target victims from every corner of the world.
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