Main suspect behind murder of Korean college student in Phnom Penh arrested: sources

A criminal organization complex in Cambodia is surrounded by barbed-wire fences and high walls, Oct. 23. Yonhap

The main suspect behind the torture and killing of a Korean college student allegedly involved in online scams in Cambodia in August has been arrested by local police officers, a diplomatic source said Friday.

Cambodian authorities apprehended the suspect, a Chinese national, in Phnom Penh on Thursday on murder and other charges, according to the source.

The suspect is accused of torturing and murdering the 22-year-old student, surnamed Park, near Bokor Mountain, where employment scams and detentions targeting Koreans have frequently occurred.

Lee was reportedly dining out at a restaurant in the capital city when he was caught.

"(Local investigators) apprehended the suspect yesterday," the source said. "We cannot reveal the details as the investigation is still ongoing."

The Korean Embassy in Cambodia said it had been informed of the arrest from local officials, and it plans to review whether the suspect can be repatriated to Korea.

Park left for the Southeast Asian country on July 17, telling his family that he was attending an exhibition there. He was found dead inside a car on Aug. 8, with signs of torture on his body, according to local police.

Three Chinese nationals allegedly involved in the crime were indicted with physical detention last month by a court in Cambodia on charges that included murder and fraud.

The case triggered a public outcry in Korea, prompting the government to send a delegation to the country and establish a joint task force to address online scams and other crimes against its citizens.