South Korea is enhancing police cooperation with Cambodia following a sharp increase in crimes targeting its citizens, including recruitment scams, kidnappings, and unlawful detention.
According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, 330 kidnapping cases involving Korean nationals were reported in Cambodia from January to August 2025, a significant rise from 220 cases during the same period last year. The situation drew heightened attention after a Korean university student was tortured to death in Cambodia on Oct. 8.
In response, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun summoned Cambodia's ambassador to urge stronger protective measures. President Lee Jae-myung has directed the government to employ all diplomatic means to ensure the safety of its citizens.
South Korean police plan to expand their investigation team in Cambodia to 30 members and are negotiating to establish a dedicated "Korean Desk" within Cambodian police agencies. The countries' police forces will meet in Seoul on Oct. 23 to discuss enhanced cooperation.
South Korean officials note that criminals often use fake "high-salary job offers" to lure victims, who are then forced into telecom fraud or labor exploitation. The government has issued a special travel advisory for Phnom Penh, warning citizens about fraudulent recruitment schemes.
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