Seoul [South Korea], November 27 (ANI): South Korea on Thursday announced sanctions against 15 individuals and 132 entities involved in transnational crimes in Southeast Asia, primarily targeting online scams defrauding South Korean nationals, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The move follows widespread outrage over the death of a South Korean college student, reportedly tortured by an online job-scam ring in Cambodia. This incident prompted the South Korean government to intensify efforts against transnational criminal networks in the region.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the sanctions target organisations engaged in voice phishing and other online fraud, including members linked to Prince Group and Huione Group. Prince Group operates scam rings in Cambodia’s Prince Complex and Mango Complex, luring South Koreans with promises of high-paying jobs. Huione Group manages a widely used online payment platform reportedly used for money laundering.
“The government has been making all-out and comprehensive efforts to respond to transnational crimes that pose serious threats to the lives and property of our citizens,” the ministry said, adding that the sanctions extend ongoing measures and international consultations to eradicate such crimes.
South Korea recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to cooperate on countering voice phishing and online fraud, following talks between President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Many scam operations in Southeast Asia are reportedly run by, or linked to, Chinese nationals or companies. Additionally, Seoul has signed an MoU with Cambodia to establish a police task force aimed at tackling online scams targeting South Koreans and ensuring better protection for its citizens abroad. (ANI)
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