South Korean officials, including National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, described the group's involvement as both voluntary and involuntary. "Most of them should be regarded as having committed criminal acts," Wi said.
The repatriation underscores strengthened cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met with a South Korean official to discuss combating transnational crimes, particularly online scams. In a social media post, he affirmed that the two nations "will continue to strengthen our collaboration to prevent, suppress, and combat online scams more effectively."
Cambodian authorities arrested the majority during a crackdown, while five reportedly surrendered and escaped the network. Under South Korean law, arrests occurred aboard the chartered flight, treated as national territory, enabling swift enforcement of warrants.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina highlighted the operation as confirmation of Cambodia's ongoing crackdown and close partnership with Seoul. She added that the government aims to "build and actively use an effective system to eradicate scams targeting South Koreans in Cambodia."
The return coincides with wider initiatives to curb the influx of nationals into these compounds. President Lee Jae Myung ordered the urgent removal of illegal online job ads for Cambodia and Southeast Asia to prevent further enticement.
A senior police official noted that Phnom Penh has agreed to notify Seoul of arrests involving South Koreans and facilitate their extradition for prosecution. Investigations will prioritize mapping the structure, scale, and networks of these operations, often centered on voice-phishing schemes.
The UN estimates these scam centers, proliferating since the COVID-19 pandemic, generate billions in annual revenue for criminal groups, preying on victims worldwide through phone and digital frauds. Crypto scams, romance frauds, and other variants operate from regional hubs, fueling international concern.