Phnom: Cambodia and South Korea have agreed to work together to combat the growing problem of online scams and other transnational crimes that have affected thousands of people in both countries. The decision was made following a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Phnom Penh.
According to Seoul’s foreign ministry, both leaders agreed to form a joint task force involving national police from the two countries to investigate and dismantle online scam operations. The move comes after a series of reports linking South Korean nationals to scam centres operating in Cambodia, where several victims have been forced into criminal activity or subjected to abuse.
The cooperation follows a tragic case that sparked public outrage in South Korea, where a young South Korean student, Park Min Ho, was reportedly kidnapped and forced to work in a Cambodian scam compound. He later died after being tortured by the operators of the illegal network. The incident prompted Seoul to demand stronger action and protection for its citizens living or working in Cambodia.
Recent investigations revealed that thousands of people, including South Koreans, have been involved in online fraud centres across Cambodia. These operations, which often use fake investment offers and romance scams, have become a serious international crime issue. In October, Cambodian authorities arrested dozens of suspects and repatriated 64 South Koreans who were allegedly connected to these scams. Many of them are now under investigation in South Korea.
Prime Minister Hun Manet assured South Korea that Cambodia is fully committed to cracking down on cybercrime and human trafficking linked to these operations. He emphasized that his government would cooperate closely with foreign partners to identify and punish those behind the networks. The Cambodian leader also underlined the importance of ensuring safety for all foreign nationals working or living in the country.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun thanked the Cambodian government for its efforts and highlighted the need for long-term cooperation not only in fighting crime but also in strengthening trade, tourism, and security relations. He noted that cybercrime and online fraud have become major threats to international trust and stability, and that joint actions are essential to protect innocent people from exploitation.
The agreement marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea, which have enjoyed strong diplomatic and economic ties for decades. However, both sides acknowledged that the fight against online scams will require sustained coordination and transparency to ensure real results.
Authorities from both countries have said that they will increase information sharing, track financial transactions linked to scam activities, and work with international law enforcement agencies to identify major organisers and financiers.
The growing online scam industry in Southeast Asia has drawn global attention in recent years. Many scam centres operate across borders, taking advantage of weak law enforcement and digital anonymity. Experts say that regional cooperation will be key to addressing this challenge effectively.
The new partnership between Phnom Penh and Seoul is expected to set an example for regional collaboration in fighting cybercrime and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation in the digital age.