NewsA group of 73 South Korean people accused of participating in online scam operations in Cambodia were returned to South Korea on Friday. They will now face formal investigations in South Korea surrounding alleged “scam compounds.”
Officials allege that the group is responsible for defrauding more than 800 South Koreans of approximately 33 million US dollars. This is the latest group of individuals to be repatriated to South Korea following a recent crackdown on scam operations in Cambodia. Investigations have led to approximately 260 South Koreans being detained for scam-related allegations.
A cohort of 64 South Koreans were repatriated in October 2025 based on similar accusations, while latest developments highlight the arrest and extradition of Chinese billionaire Chen Zhi, whom Cambodian authorities claim to operate forced labor scam compounds across Cambodia. Zhi was formally charged in a US court for wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with the Cambodian scam compounds.
Zhi’s surprise arrest reportedly triggered a mass exodus of suspected ‘scam compound’ workers across Cambodia in recent weeks. Amnesty International has highlighted that many of the individuals pictured in videos that have surfaced showing mass releases and exit attempts from the compounds may be victims of human trafficking. The group has expressed concerns that those who have escaped are potentially at risk of being trafficked again without sufficient support from local authorities.
The alleged scam compounds typically run through casinos, located in major rural compounds. While some workers are claimed to have arrived willingly, the operations are reported to rely heavily on forced labor recruited from countries around the world. Reported scams are usually conducted through text messages, often involving investments, cryptocurrency, or romantic relationships. The scam industry reportedly brings in billions of dollars worldwide.
The recent crackdowns come as rights groups have called on the Cambodian government to protect individuals who have been held in “prison-like compounds” and “forced to conduct online scams.” Amnesty International has accused these criminal organizations of slavery, human trafficking, child labor, and torture in relation to the scamming accusations. The Cambodian government is being called on to investigate these scamming compounds and prosecute perpetrators and their accomplices.
Cambodian authorities established an Anti-Scam Task Force in July 2025 in response to the reports of widespread scam activity. However, bilateral efforts with South Korea began following the death of a South Korean student in August 2025, sparking outrage in the student’s home country. In response, the countries vowed to work together .The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the two countries aim to “continue to strengthen our collaboration to prevent, suppress, and combat online scams more effectively.”
Following the repatriation of this most recent group, Cambodian police claim that there are 60 South Korean suspects detained on scam-related allegations who are waiting to be extradited and investigated in their home country. Cambodian and South Korean governments have promised to continue investigations into alleged scamming operations.
