Story perspectives

South Korea Bans Travel to Cambodia Amid Scam Concerns

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

South Korea bans travel to parts of Cambodia due to rising concerns over its scam industry.
Authorities repatriated 64 South Korean nationals detained for alleged involvement in cyberscams.
The Cambodian Ministry of Interior said the repatriation resulted from cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea.
All 64 were placed under arrest upon arrival.
The United Kingdom seized 19 properties linked to the Prince Group, whose chair Chen Zhi faces serious charges.

History

Historical Context

In 2022, Cambodia intensified its crackdown on cybercrime, arresting over 1,000 individuals linked to scams. This effort highlights the country's struggle against human trafficking, with an estimated 100,000 people trapped in forced labor within scam centers. The crackdown coincided with South Korea's travel ban to Cambodia, reflecting growing international cooperation to combat cybercrime and its implications for foreign investments in Cambodia's tech sector.

1 of 2

Story summary

South Korea bans travel to parts of Cambodia due to rising concerns over its scam industry.
Authorities repatriated 64 South Korean nationals detained for alleged involvement in cyberscams.
The Cambodian Ministry of Interior said the repatriation resulted from cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea.
All 64 were placed under arrest upon arrival.
The United Kingdom seized 19 properties linked to the Prince Group, whose chair Chen Zhi faces serious charges.

1 / 2