In response to a surge in transnational scam operations targeting Korean nationals, the South Korean government launched a comprehensive crackdown on criminal syndicates based in Southeast Asia. The initiative was driven by a sharp increase in online scam and employment fraud reports, which rose from 17 cases in 2023 to 220 in 2024. Recognizing the limitations of unilateral enforcement, President Lee Jae-myung directed the formation of the ‘K-Taskforce’—a multi-agency team including the National Police Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and National Intelligence Service. The goal was to dismantle scam hubs in Cambodia and protect Korean citizens from exploitation abroad.
The operation directly impacted Korean scam victims, suspected criminals, and the broader expatriate community in Cambodia. On January 23, 2026, a chartered flight repatriated 73 Korean scam syndicate members from Cambodia, the largest single-country extradition in South Korean history. Most victims were young Koreans lured by fraudulent high-income job offers, with an estimated 2,000 Koreans unaccounted for after traveling to Cambodia. The crackdown disrupted major scam bases, rescued victims, and sent a strong deterrent message to criminal organizations.
Key milestones included the October 2025 launch of the International Cooperation Council in Seoul, the adoption of the ‘Breaking Chains’ resolution at the ASEANAPOL General Assembly in November 2025, and the establishment of the Korea-Cambodia Joint Taskforce. Eight joint operations led to the arrest of 136 suspects, with 73 extradited in the January 2026 operation. The initiative was further legitimized by overwhelming support for South Korea’s anti-scam resolution at the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco.
Frequently asked questions highlight the operation’s scope and impact. The government has conducted three chartered extraditions since September 2025, including two from Cambodia and one from the Philippines. The Korea Taskforce, comprising seven Korean and twelve Cambodian officers, played a pivotal role in intelligence gathering, victim rescue, and suspect apprehension. The operation reassured citizens that the government will pursue justice globally and signaled to criminals that there are no safe havens.
The South Korean government’s large-scale extradition operation from Cambodia showcases the tangible benefits of coordinated international law enforcement. By leveraging multi-agency collaboration and securing strong support from organizations like INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL, South Korea has set a precedent for addressing transnational scam syndicates. The operation not only rescued victims and disrupted criminal networks but also sent a clear message to both citizens and criminals about the government’s commitment to justice. This approach could serve as a model for other nations facing similar cross-border crime challenges.