26 arrested in Cambodia for online scams and sexual exploitation targeting South Koreans

A joint South Korean and Cambodian operation has resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals involved in a cross-border scam and sexual exploitation ring based in Phnom Penh, the South Korean presidential office announced on 12 January, 2026.

The suspects, all members of a scam ring operating since February 2025, were apprehended on 5 January during coordinated raids at four locations, including offices and residences. The arrests were carried out by Cambodian police with the support of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service and a pangovernment transnational crime response task force.

According to a press release from the Blue House, the suspects impersonated South Korean prosecutors and financial regulators to deceive victims into believing they were under investigation. Victims were isolated in accommodations arranged by the suspects and coerced into remaining cut off from outside contact — a tactic the statement described as "self-confinement".

Using this method, the group defrauded 165 South Korean nationals, extracting over 267 billion won (US$18.2 million) under the guise of financial asset verification.

More disturbingly, the press release revealed that the scam extended into sexual exploitation. Multiple female victims in South Korea were psychologically manipulated over extended periods, placed into a state of helplessness, and then coerced into sending explicit photographs or recording sexual content. The perpetrators used this material for further coercion and abuse.

“This case shows how scam crimes have evolved beyond the theft of financial assets,” said presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. “They now exploit psychological vulnerabilities to produce sexual exploitation materials, destroying the lives of victims in the process.”

Officials stressed the severity of the offences, noting that the operation was a direct response to rising criminal activity targeting South Koreans in Cambodia, including a high-profile incident in August 2025 involving the torture and death of a South Korean student.

The task force identified the criminal network’s locations in advance and coordinated the 5 January raids with Cambodian law enforcement. The suspects are expected to be extradited to South Korea where they will face prosecution.

The government also confirmed that it is taking immediate steps to block the circulation of any sexual exploitation material and ensure the full investigation of all allegations. Officials intend to repatriate the suspects swiftly for prosecution under South Korean law.

Victim support measures are also being reinforced. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with organisations such as the Smile Centre, will provide psychological care and legal assistance to the affected women, as well as develop longer-term prevention strategies.

Cheong Wa Dae reaffirmed its commitment to addressing digital sex crimes and transnational criminal activity at the highest level.

“Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s directive, the government will continue to respond firmly to all forms of transnational crime, especially digital sexual violence,” Kang said.

“This case sends a clear message: anyone harming South Korean citizens, no matter where, will face serious consequences.”

The Cambodian government has not publicly commented on the arrests or the allegations. However, South Korean authorities indicated that coordination with Cambodian counterparts had been effective and that bilateral cooperation on cross-border crime would continue.