PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 23, 2025) — A delegation from the Republic of Korea, led by opposition party representative Mr. Kim Seok-ki and including representatives from the ruling party, concluded an inspection in Phnom Penh yesterday confirming that Korean nationals arrested in connection with an online scam operation were not victims of confinement or coercion, but active participants in the criminal activity.
On October 22, 2025, the Korean delegation, accompanied by Cambodian law enforcement, inspected a location in Prey Popel Village, Samrong Krom Sangkat, Por Sen Chey District, suspected of involvement in online scams. The raid on the Sessat Building resulted in the arrest of 86 foreigners, including 57 Koreans (2 women) and 29 Chinese (3 women). Authorities seized 126 computers and 30 mobile phones.
During the inspection, experts from the Phnom Penh Police Department presented evidence of online fraud, detailing the implementation of the crackdown, the results of forensic examinations, and the layout of the crime scene. The Korean delegation was shown conclusive proof that the arrested Koreans were active participants in the scam, not victims of coercion.
The delegation also requested that Cambodian authorities continue their operations to suppress online fraud and rescue any Korean nationals who may be victims of the masterminds behind these schemes. Mr. Kim Seok-ki pledged to disseminate the findings widely upon returning to South Korea, aiming to dispel misunderstandings about the online scam issue in Cambodia. He also promised continued cooperation with Cambodia in combating technology-based fraud.
The incident underscores ongoing efforts by Cambodian authorities to combat transnational cybercrime, and the collaborative approach being taken with international partners to address these complex challenges. The transparency and cooperation demonstrated by both the Cambodian government and the Korean delegation signal a commitment to effectively addressing online fraud and protecting citizens from these scams.
