73 South Koreans Flown Home From Cambodia Scam Compounds to Face Investigation

A group of 73 South Korean nationals accused of taking part in online scam operations in Cambodia was flown back to South Korea on Friday, where they now face formal criminal investigation. Authorities say the group is suspected of defrauding more than 800 South Koreans out of roughly 33 million US dollars.

The repatriation is the latest step in a broadening crackdown on so-called scam compounds operating across Cambodia. Investigators say roughly 260 South Koreans have been detained on scam-related allegations, and Cambodian police report that about 60 more suspects remain in custody awaiting extradition. A separate cohort of 64 South Koreans was sent home in October 2025 on similar accusations.

The crackdown has intensified since the arrest and extradition of Chinese businessman Chen Zhi, whom Cambodian authorities accuse of operating forced-labor scam compounds. Chen was charged in a US court with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy tied to the Cambodian operations. His detention reportedly set off a mass exodus of suspected compound workers in recent weeks.

Rights groups warn that the picture is far from simple. Amnesty International has cautioned that many people seen in videos of mass releases may themselves be victims of human trafficking, and that those who escape risk being trafficked again without proper support. The organization has accused the criminal networks behind the compounds of slavery, forced labor and torture.

According to reports, the compounds are often built around casinos in remote rural areas and rely heavily on workers recruited, sometimes by deception, from countries around the world. The scams are typically run through text messages and involve fake investments, cryptocurrency schemes or fabricated romantic relationships, feeding an industry estimated to generate billions of dollars globally.

For South Korea, the issue turned into a national flashpoint after a South Korean student who had reportedly been forced to work in a scam center died in August 2025, prompting public outrage. Seoul and Phnom Penh subsequently pledged to cooperate, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the two governments aim to strengthen their joint fight against online scams. Cambodia set up an Anti-Scam Task Force in July 2025, and both governments say investigations will continue.