ED Koreans trafficked in Cambodia
Koreans who colluded with the Chinenese criminals operating in Cambodia in online scams are taken away by the police to Korea to be investigated on Saturday. Yonhap
Gov't should investigate why Koreans in Cambodia drastically surged since 2022
The total number of Koreans in Cambodia who are involved in online romance scams or investment schemes known as "pig butchering" — either as perpetrators working with international crime rings or as victims of trafficking and forced labor — may significantly exceed the previously estimated figure of around 1,000, according to the Ministry of Justice.
In these scams, criminals create fake online identities to gain their victims' affection and trust. Once a close relationship is established, the scammers manipulate victims into sending money. "Pig butchering" refers to investment scams where fraudsters build trust over time before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies or other fraudulent assets.
There are broadly two groups of Koreans involved in online scams in Cambodia: those who are complicit and those who are being exploited. Some voluntarily traveled to Cambodia to participate in fraud operations targeting fellow Korean nationals. These individuals often work under the control of Chinese criminal syndicates operating in the region.
Others, however, were deceived with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be trafficked and forced into working for criminal gangs upon arrival. These victims are subjected to brutal working conditions, including beatings and torture when they fail to meet performance targets, amounting to modern-day slavery.
Survivors of these crimes who managed to return to Korea have shared harrowing testimonies in media interviews. Some recounted the stories of other victims that individuals who were killed or tortured to death, and were then cremated without their families ever being notified. Others reported suspected cases of illegal organ harvesting within the scam compounds.
Based on survivor accounts, the true number of Koreans detained or killed in Cambodia may far exceed official estimates. One individual reported seeing around 50 Koreans held in just one facility.
During a Cabinet meeting on Oct.15, President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that nationals from several countries are being forced to work in Cambodia’s online scam operations. “Korea is likely ranked fifth or sixth in terms of the number of nationals forced to work against their will,” he said, though he did not disclose specific figures.
Data released by Rep. Park Chan-dae of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, based on figures from the justice ministry, shows a growing discrepancy between the number of Koreans departing for Cambodia and those returning. While the gap was just 113 in 2021, it surged to 3,209 in 2022. By 2024, the figure had reached 3,248, indicating a sharp rise in the number of Koreans who have not returned.
This indicates that the number of Koreans in Cambodia has increased sharply since 2022, raising questions about their whereabouts and reasons for being there.
The government must launch a fact-finding mission to gather accurate data on Koreans who may be victims of trafficking. Reliable information is essential for diplomatic efforts to rescue those trapped overseas. Testimonies from survivors reveal that many of the Koreans trapped in these scams are subjected to abuse and exploitation that puts their lives at serious risk.
Park has urged the government to gather accurate data on Koreans currently in Cambodia, calling for a comprehensive cross-check of all available departure and arrival records from the justice ministry and police.
“Accurate data is essential to understand the scale and magnitude of the victimization of Koreans,” Park said, pledging to collaborate with fellow lawmakers to secure the necessary budget for such investigations during the National Assembly's review of next year’s government spending proposal. He also noted that similar incidents are taking place in other countries.
Cambodia may be only the tip of the iceberg, as international criminal organizations could be trafficking Koreans in other Southeast Asian countries and forcing them to work in these online scam operations. Once the situation in Cambodia is addressed, similar investigations and rescue missions should be launched in other countries.
According to the United Nations, as of September 2022, more than 100,000 people had been trafficked to Cambodia for forced labor and sexual exploitation. Protecting its citizens abroad from such dangers is a core responsibility of the Korean government and requires swift, coordinated action — beginning with Cambodia, but not ending there.