Kuala lumpur, Malaysia – In a significant move to protect its citizens abroad, south korea and Cambodia reached an agreement on October 27th to establish a joint task force dedicated to combating the escalating issue of scam crimes. The agreement was reached during a summit between President Lee Jae-myung and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, held in Kuala Lumpur, as both leaders attended the ASEAN summit.

The newly formed unit,officially named the ‘Korea Task Force‘,will commence operations in November. This collaborative effort aims to streamline investigations and crack down on criminal activities targeting korean nationals, specifically focusing on increasingly sophisticated transnational scams.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Kang yoo-jeong announced that investigative teams from both nations will collaborate closely, sharing resources and intelligence to effectively dismantle criminal networks. Details regarding the size of the Korean police delegation and the precise operational procedures are currently being finalized, with further announcements expected shortly.

During their closed-door discussions, Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted Cambodia’s recent advancements in bolstering security and actively combating transnational crime, including a dedicated crackdown on scam operations. President Lee reciprocated by indicating his intention to review travel advisories for specific Cambodian regions,including Phnom Penh,considering the improved security landscape and the establishment of the Korea Task force.

This partnership arrives amid growing concerns about the increasing number of Koreans falling victim to overseas scam rings, often involving job offers, romantic relationships, or investment schemes. According to data released by the Korean National Police agency in september 2025,reported losses to overseas scams exceeded ₩1.5 trillion (approximately $1.1 billion USD) in the first nine months of the year – a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Reuters

Country role in Korea Task Force Key Focus
South Korea Provide investigative personnel and resources investigating Korean victims and tracing funds
Cambodia Lead local investigations and enforcement Dismantling scam operations within Cambodian territory

did You Know? southeast Asia has become a major hub for online scam operations, attracting international criminal organizations due to relatively lax regulations and the availability of skilled labor.

The move signals a strengthened commitment between South Korea and Cambodia to address shared security challenges and protect their citizens. It also sets a potential precedent for similar collaborations with other nations grappling with the rising threat of transnational crime.

pro Tip: If you are contacted with an unsolicited job offer or investment opportunity from overseas, exercise extreme caution and verify the legitimacy of the offer through official channels.

Is this collaborative task force a sufficient step to curb the rising tide of scam crimes? How can international cooperation be further enhanced to protect vulnerable populations from thes criminal activities?