S. Korean gov't to dispatch joint response team to Cambodia amid rising scam crimes

A South Korean government response team has been dispatched to Cambodia to address crimes targeting Korean nationals, including kidnapping, detention, and employment scams. The joint task force, composed of representatives from various ministries and the national police agency, will collaborate with Cambodian authorities on investigations and repatriating detained Koreans. This initiative follows incidents such as a university student allegedly lured, tortured, and killed by a scam ring.

The response team aims to combat these crimes, rescue victims, and discuss the establishment of a dedicated Korea desk within the Cambodian police force. While prioritizing the rescue and repatriation of victims, the team also acknowledges that some detained Koreans may face legal consequences for their alleged involvement in scam crimes upon return to Korea. Special travel alerts and potential no-travel zone designations are being considered for affected areas in Cambodia, with a former ambassador being sent to oversee the situation locally. Approximately 80 Koreans are reportedly still missing in Cambodia, often lured by promises of lucrative employment.

• A joint response team from the South Korean government is heading to Cambodia to address crimes against Korean nationals.
• The team includes members from the foreign affairs ministry, national police agency, justice ministry, and national intelligence service.
• The task force will work with Cambodian authorities on investigations, including an alleged case of a university student tortured to death.
• Discussions will also cover the repatriation of detained Koreans, some of whom may face legal action for scam-related offenses back home.
• Around 80 Koreans are reported missing in Cambodia, often victims of employment scams promising high pay.

Related Video Summary

• S. Korea dispatches joint response team to Cambodia amid rising scam crimes

Joint Response Team Dispatched to Cambodia [00:00]

• A joint response team organized by the South Korean government is set to depart for Cambodia.
• The mission is to deal with crimes involving Korean nationals and to bring detained Koreans back home.
• The dispatch is in response to rising cases of kidnapping, detention, and employment scams of Korean nationals in recent months.
• The team is led by the second vice minister of foreign affairs and includes members from relevant ministries like the national police agency, justice ministry, and national intelligence service.
• The emergency task force is to work closely with Cambodian authorities for investigation and autopsy.

This initiative highlights a proactive governmental response to serious crimes affecting its citizens abroad, specifically within Cambodia, where a pattern of kidnapping and scam-related incidents has emerged. The team's composition indicates a comprehensive approach involving diplomatic, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.

A joint response team organized by the South Korean government is set to depart to Cambodia in the coming hours to deal with the crimes involving Korean nationals there and to bring back a detained Koreans's home.

Joint Task Force and Objectives [00:50]

• A joint Korea-Cambodia task force on scam crimes has been launched.
• The intention is to run this actively and discuss the establishment of a Korea desk within the Cambodia Police Force.
• The aim is to take firm action against those who commit crimes and swiftly rescue any victims.
• The task force will also discuss the swift repatriation of detained Korean nationals, including those facing criminal charges for scam crimes.
• Some detained individuals have reportedly refused to return to Korea, anticipating investigation and potential legal consequences.

This section underscores the collaborative effort between South Korea and Cambodia to tackle criminal activities and emphasizes the dual focus on apprehending perpetrators and aiding victims. The establishment of a dedicated Korea desk signals a more structured, long-term approach to preventing and addressing such issues.

We intend to run this actively and discuss the establishment of a Korea desk within the Cambodia Police Force. We aim to take firm action against those who commit crimes and swiftly rescue any victims.

Travel Advisories and Ambassadorial Appointment [01:28]

• Certain areas in Cambodia, including its capital, are under a special travel alert.
• The government is considering designating these key areas as no-travel zones to further prevent incidents.
• The South Korean ambassador to Cambodia role is vacant.
• The former ambassador to Lebanon will be dispatched to oversee the local situation.
• Victims of scam crimes are typically lured with promises of high-paying jobs.
• There are said to be still around 80 Koreans missing in Cambodia.

This part of the transcript details preventative measures and the temporary leadership arrangement, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the ongoing nature of the problem, with a significant number of citizens still unaccounted for.

As the South Korean ambassador to Cambodia role is still vacant, the former ambassador to Lebanon will be dispatched to look over the local situation.