A handout photo from Agence Kampuchea Press taken on October 22 and released on October 23 shows South Koreans suspected of being involved in cyberscams, detained during a raid in Phnom Penh
HandoutCambodian authorities arrested 57 South Koreans for alleged involvement in transnational cyberscams, a government commission said Thursday, days after dozens accused of working in the illicit networks were repatriated.
The multibillion-dollar scam industry has ballooned in Cambodia in recent years, with thousands involved -- some willingly and others forced by organised criminal groups, experts say.
Cambodia's anti-cybercrime commission said in a statement that local authorities raided a building where scam operations were suspected in the capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday.
Police arrested 57 South Koreans and 29 Chinese nationals during the operation, the commission said.
Authorities also seized 126 computers and 30 phones, it added.
Over the weekend, Cambodia sent home 64 South Korean nationals who had been held for their alleged links to "pig butchering" scams -- so-called for the method of building trust with victims over time before stealing funds.
The high-profile repatriations follow public outcry over the torture and killing of a South Korean college student in Cambodia this year, reportedly by a crime ring.
Last week, South Korean foreign ministry officials met with Cambodia's prime minister and local police to discuss fake job and scam centres.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Monday that 10 more alleged scammers were arrested and two individuals were rescued.
About 550 South Koreans were reported missing or held against their will after entering Cambodia since last year, the foreign ministry said this month.
Seoul estimates around 1,000 South Koreans are among approximately 200,000 people working in scam operations in Cambodia.
suy/sco/fox
Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.