A major international crime ring has been dismantled.
South Korean and Cambodian police have arrested 26 suspects in a joint operation targeting online scams and sex crimes that preyed on South Korean citizens. The arrests were confirmed on Monday by South Korea’s presidential office.
According to Blue House spokeswoman Kang Yu-jung, the suspects were part of an organized network that allegedly stole 26.7 billion won, or about $18.25 million, from 165 South Koreans.
The scams were carefully planned and deeply deceptive.
Investigators said the suspects posed as police officers and financial regulators, using fear and authority to pressure victims into handing over large sums of money. For many of the victims, the losses were devastating.
But the crimes went even further.
Authorities revealed that several female victims were allegedly coerced into filming sexual videos and photos, which were then distributed by the group. Kang declined to provide further details, citing the sensitivity of the cases.
The arrests were carried out by Cambodian police, with support from the joint investigative task force and South Korea’s intelligence agency. The operation highlights growing cooperation between the two countries in fighting transnational crime.
All 26 suspects are now set to be extradited to South Korea, where they will face prosecution and punishment under Korean law.
As of Monday, the Cambodian government had not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrests or the allegations.
For authorities, the message is clear.
Cross-border crimes will be pursued, no matter where they hide.
