Cambodia: 64 Detainees Arrive in Korea After Arrest on Chartered Flight

October 18, 2025

Incheon, South Korea – Sixty-four Korean Citizens, allegedly involved in criminal activities, predominantly Voice Phishing, in Cambodia, arrived at Incheon International Airport this morning and were immediately taken into custody. The repatriation, conducted via a Korean Air charter flight, represents the largest single-country deportation of its kind in south Korean history.

A Coordinated Return and Immediate Arrests

The individuals had been detained by Cambodian immigration authorities following extensive investigations by local Police. They were transferred from the Immigration Office in Phnom Penh to Techo international Airport early this morning,utilizing a secure transport route that bypassed the standard arrival procedures. Upon boarding the aircraft, each individual was formally read their Miranda rights and then arrested.

The chartered flight departed Cambodia at 1:15 a.m. local time, carrying approximately 190 personnel, including Police officers responsible for the secure transfer. it touched down at Incheon International Airport at 8:45 a.m.Korean time, concluding a swift and coordinated operation.

details of the Criminal Investigation

The majority of the Sixty-Four individuals were initially apprehended during two large-scale crackdowns on criminal organizations in Cambodia,occurring in july and September of the previous year. Fifty-Nine were arrested as a direct result of these operations, while the remaining Five voluntarily came forward seeking assistance. Prior to this mass repatriation, four other Korean nationals were returned to face charges on October 14th and the day before.

These individuals are suspected of engaging in a range of fraudulent schemes, including Voice Phishing and romance scams, operating from illicit criminal complexes in Cambodia. Many are subject to outstanding arrest warrants within Korea, with some listed on interpol’s Red Notice for international wanted persons.

Repatriation Details	Figures
Total Koreans Repatriated	64
Arrested During Crackdowns	59
Voluntarily Reported	5
Previously Repatriated (Oct 14-17)	4
Total Personnel on Charter Flight	~190

Rising Trend of Overseas Crime and Victimization

The case highlights a growing trend of South Korean citizens becoming entangled in illegal activities abroad, frequently enough lured by promises of high-paying jobs. Recent reports indicate a meaningful increase in kidnappings and confinements of Koreans in Cambodia. Cases of reported kidnappings and unlawful detention have risen sharply, from Four in 2021 and One in 2022 to Seventeen in 2023 and an alarming Two-Hundred Twenty last year. As of August of this year, Three-Hundred Thirty such incidents have been recorded.

Did You Know? Voice phishing, a common tactic employed by these criminal organizations, often involves impersonating government officials or financial institutions to deceive victims into divulging personal information.

Protecting Yourself Against Overseas Job Scams

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises citizens to exercise extreme caution when considering employment opportunities abroad, notably those offering unusually high salaries or requiring travel to countries with known criminal activity. Thoroughly research potential employers and verify the legitimacy of job offers through official channels.

pro Tip: Always inform family and friends of your travel plans and maintain regular contact while abroad. Register your travel with the Korean embassy or consulate in the destination country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Citizens and Overseas Crime

• What is voice phishing? voice phishing is a fraudulent practice involving deceptive phone calls to obtain sensitive information.
• what is a Red Notice? A Red Notice issued by Interpol is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and detain a person wanted for prosecution.
• What is South Korea doing to protect its citizens abroad? The government is issuing travel advisories and working with foreign governments to combat overseas crime.
• Are there resources available for victims of overseas scams? Yes, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local law enforcement agencies provide assistance.
• What steps can I take to avoid becoming a victim of an overseas job scam? Thoroughly research employers, verify job offers, and register your travel plans.

what are your thoughts on the escalating number of overseas crime incidents involving Korean citizens? And do you beleive current safeguards are sufficient to protect individuals seeking employment abroad? Share your comments below!

What implications might the increased scrutiny of foreign investment have on legitimate casino and online gambling businesses operating in South Korea?

The Deportation and Allegations of Illegal Gambling

Sixty-four Cambodian detainees arrived in South Korea on october 18, 2025, following their arrest in Cambodia and subsequent deportation via a chartered flight. The individuals are suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling operations targeting Korean citizens. This event highlights the growing concern over transnational crime and the collaborative efforts between nations to combat it. The operation, dubbed “Operation Golden Triangle” by Korean authorities, focused on dismantling a large-scale illegal gambling ring.

Details of the Arrest and Deportation

* The Arrest: Cambodian authorities, working in cooperation with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), conducted a series of raids across several Cambodian cities, including Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.These raids targeted call centers and online gambling platforms.

* Chartered Flight: A chartered flight, specifically arranged by the KNPA, transported the 64 detainees back to South Korea. This method ensured secure and efficient transfer of the suspects.

* Charges: The detainees face a range of charges in South Korea, including violations of the National Basic Law on Crime Prevention and Punishment, specifically related to illegal gambling and fraud. Potential penalties include imprisonment and substantial fines.

* Korean Nationals & Roles: The majority of the detainees are believed to be Korean nationals who where operating the illegal gambling facilities in Cambodia. some are suspected of being managers and key figures within the criminal network.

The Scale of the Illegal Gambling Operation

The illegal gambling operation is estimated to have generated billions of won in illicit profits. It primarily targeted Korean citizens, offering online casino games and sports betting services. The operation utilized sophisticated techniques to evade detection, including encrypted communication channels and offshore servers.

Modus Operandi & Target Audience

* Online Platforms: The gambling ring operated through multiple online platforms, often disguised as legitimate entertainment websites.

* Targeted Advertising: Aggressive online advertising campaigns, frequently enough utilizing social media and search engine optimization (SEO) tactics, were used to attract Korean gamblers. Keywords like “online casino Korea,” “sports betting Korea,” and “illegal gambling sites” were likely employed.

* Debt Collection: Reports suggest the operation employed coercive debt collection practices, pressuring gamblers to repay their losses. This included threats and harassment.

* Call Center Operations: The call centers were instrumental in attracting and retaining gamblers, offering customer support and facilitating deposits and withdrawals.

International Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime

This case underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime. The accomplished collaboration between Cambodian and Korean law enforcement agencies demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges.

The Role of Interpol & Regional Partnerships

* Interpol’s Involvement: While not directly confirmed in this specific case, Interpol often plays a crucial role in facilitating information sharing and coordinating investigations between countries.

* ASEAN-Korea Cooperation: Increased cooperation between South Korea and the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Cambodia, is vital for combating cross-border crime.

* Extradition Treaties: Existing extradition treaties between south Korea and Cambodia facilitated the deportation of the suspects.

* Joint Task Forces: The formation of joint task forces, comprised of law enforcement officials from both countries, could enhance future investigations and preventative measures.

Impact on Cambodia’s Reputation & Future Security measures

The presence of large-scale illegal gambling operations in Cambodia has raised concerns about the country’s reputation and its vulnerability to criminal activity. The Cambodian government has pledged to crack down on these operations and strengthen its regulatory framework.

Increased Scrutiny & Regulatory Changes

* Casino Regulations: Cambodia is likely to review and tighten regulations governing its casino industry, notably those related to online gambling.

* Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Measures: Enhanced AML measures will be implemented to prevent the flow of illicit funds through the Cambodian financial system.

* Foreign Investment Vetting: Increased scrutiny of foreign investment in the casino and online gambling sectors is expected.

* Border Security: Strengthening border security measures to prevent the entry and exit of individuals involved in illegal activities.

Legal Ramifications for Detainees in South Korea

Upon arrival in South Korea, the 64 detainees will face a rigorous legal process. The KNPA is expected to conduct thorough investigations and build strong cases against each individual.

Potential charges & Penalties

* Gambling Act Violations: Violations of South Korea’s Gambling Act, which prohibits unauthorized gambling activities.

* Fraud Charges: Charges related to defrauding Korean citizens through the illegal gambling operation.

* Organized Crime Involvement: Potential charges under South Korea’s organized crime laws, given the scale and sophistication of the operation.

* Asset Forfeiture: Authorities may seek to seize assets acquired through the illegal gambling operation. Penalties can range from several years in prison to substantial fines