Voice Phishing Gang Extradited from Cambodia Knew They Were Joining a Crime

On October 28, 2025, it was confirmed that the majority of suspects extradited to South Korea after committing crimes in Cambodia have been arrested and handed over to the prosecution. They are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities such as phone fraud, also known as voice phishing, and romance scams, a type of fraud involving feigned romantic relationships. Investigations revealed that they participated in the crimes knowing they were illegal. The 45 suspects apprehended in Cambodia on fraud charges are undergoing the process of being arrested and transferred to the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency just ten days after being extradited. According to police investigations, they primarily entered Cambodia through introductions from acquaintances or internet advertisements and became involved in the crimes. The full extent of the organized criminal activities is being revealed, causing significant social repercussions. In particular, awareness of organized crime occurring overseas is increasing, and there are growing calls for the government to prepare strong countermeasures. This case underscores the need for extreme caution regarding crimes that use overseas employment or investment as bait. Furthermore, efforts should be intensified to arrest fugitives who have fled overseas and recover criminal proceeds through international cooperation. The main perpetrator in this case is Bu Geon, a Chinese national who acted as the ringleader. He allegedly directed the crimes by dividing the organization into five teams, each with specific roles. Each team systematically carried out various tasks such as finding victims, laundering money, and transferring funds. Eleven individuals arrested and investigated by the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency were also confirmed to have been involved in romance scams. They approached victims through social media or dating apps, built relationships, and then demanded money. Thirty-six people were victimized by their crimes, with total damages amounting to 1.6 billion won. Police believe that the methods they used were very cunning and sophisticated, and they are expanding the investigation, suspecting that there may be more victims. They are also focusing their investigative efforts on tracing the criminal proceeds they have hidden overseas. This case, which goes beyond a simple fraud case and reveals a glimpse of organized international crime, is causing great shock throughout society. SBS reporter Choi Seung-hoon stayed in Cambodia for eight nights and nine days to cover the site in order to uncover the truth of this case. He vividly conveyed the reality of the crime by directly visiting key locations related to the incident, including the Tuktla Temple, the apartment where three Koreans were rescued, the Taeja complex, and the Mango complex. In particular, on the day the Taeja complex was opened for members of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee to conduct an on-site inspection, reporter Choi Seung-hoon witnessed Cambodian police opening the door and waiting for National Assembly members, and succeeded in entering and touring the interior in advance. He confirmed that Korean ID cards were found in the Taeja complex, clearly demonstrating that the criminal organization was targeting Koreans. His coverage played a major role in raising awareness of the seriousness of this case and giving hope to the victims. In addition, police investigations were further expanded based on his coverage, and it contributed to securing additional evidence. Thanks to Choi Seung-hoon's efforts, the truth of this case has been revealed to the world, and it is expected to be of great help in preventing similar crimes. During the investigation, it was newly revealed that the couple who were the masterminds behind a romance scam worth 12 billion won frequented a plastic surgery clinic in Phnom Penh. This is a prime example of them using the proceeds from their crimes for a lavish lifestyle. Police are conducting additional investigations into the reasons and purposes for their plastic surgery and are focusing their investigative efforts on tracing their flow of funds. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of the "strict investigation based on the law and principles" emphasized by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. It also raises the need to further strengthen the system of investigative cooperation regarding international criminal organizations. In the future, the government must actively respond to crimes occurring overseas and do its best to protect the safety and property of the people. U.S. President Donald Trump has also emphasized cooperation to eradicate international crime and called for cooperation from each country. The Cambodian voice phishing gang repatriation case is sounding a major alarm bell in our society. The criminals deceived victims with intelligent methods, made huge profits, and left deep scars on countless people in the process. Prevention is more important than anything to eradicate these criminal acts. The government must strengthen publicity and education on fraud crimes such as voice phishing and romance scams and strive to ensure that people are not easily exposed to these crimes. In addition, systems must be established in cooperation with financial institutions to detect and block suspicious transactions. If you have been victimized, you must immediately report it to the police and request a payment stop from the financial institution. All efforts must be made to ensure that our society becomes safer from crime as a result of this case.