SOUTH KOREA IMPOSES LARGEST-EVER SANCTIONS ON CAMBODIA SCAM RINGS
SEOUL – South Korea has imposed its largest-ever unilateral sanctions targeting 132 organizations and 15 individuals connected to major Cambodia-based scam networks that have victimized South Korean citizens. The announcement, made Thursday, marks the country’s most extensive action against transnational crime to date.
The move comes in response to a rapid surge in South Koreans being lured to Cambodia by fraudulent high-paying job advertisements, only to be subjected to violent criminal activities. Victims have reported being kidnapped, forced into scam operations, and held in heavily guarded criminal compounds.
In a statement, the South Korean Foreign Ministry emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “This government measure is our country’s first unilateral sanctions in response to transnational crime and the largest single sanctions action to date,” the ministry said.
A senior Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, said the sanctions specifically target organizations in Southeast Asia linked to severe harm inflicted on Korean nationals. “This measure identifies and sanctions individuals and entities linked to transnational criminal organizations in Southeast Asia that have inflicted real harm on South Korean citizens,” the official noted.
Targeting Major Crime Syndicates
The sanctions list includes 128 entities linked to the Prince Group, a notorious transnational criminal organization headquartered in Phnom Penh. The group is known for operating massive scam compounds, including the Taizi Compound and Mango Compound, where many Koreans were reportedly deceived, detained, and forced to participate in criminal activities.
Also included were the Huione Group, a Cambodia-based company, and its three subsidiaries. According to investigators, the Huione Group played a major role in laundering money for the Prince Group and other criminal networks across Southeast Asia.
The sanctions mirror international pressure from other nations. In October, both the United States and the United Kingdom designated the Prince Group as a transnational criminal organization. In the same month, the US Treasury labeled the Huione Group a “primary money laundering concern” due to its extensive links to criminal operations.
Individuals Also Blacklisted
Among the 15 individuals sanctioned are key figures tied to these networks. South Korea added Chen Zhi, chairman of the Prince Group, and 12 of its members to the blacklist. Also sanctioned were Han Chenghao, accused of leading a Bohai-based scam organization, and Li Guanghao, the primary suspect in the assault and killing of a South Korean student in Cambodia. That case, which drew national outrage, intensified public concern over Korea-targeted crimes after the victim’s body was found in August.
Strengthening Protection for Korean Nationals
The South Korean government said the sanctions are part of a broader, whole-of-government initiative to protect citizens traveling or working abroad, especially in regions where scam networks and criminal compounds are known to operate.
Officials stated that the measures would help disrupt financial flows, prevent further recruitment schemes, and pressure foreign authorities to cooperate in dismantling these criminal structures.
South Korea’s unprecedented action signals a stronger stance against transnational crime and a commitment to safeguarding its citizens from dangerous overseas networks.
