Seoul: South Korean officials revealed that 73 suspects involved in an online scam in Cambodia have been extradited to South Korea to face charges of defrauding more than 800 South Koreans of approximately $33 million (approximately 1.18 billion baht).
According to Thai News Agency, a plane carrying the group of suspects, the largest ever repatriated to South Korea, landed at Incheon International Airport. Local media footage showed the suspects, wearing face masks and mostly shorts and sandals, being escorted from the plane to waiting buses by police.
South Korean police officials stated at a press conference at the airport that it is a grave misconception to think that one can escape punishment simply for committing crimes abroad. They affirmed that the police will pursue cases that cause public distress to the fullest extent, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Officials from the Foreign Ministry added that South Korea will continue to coordinate with Cambodia until transnational fraud is eradicated. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office revealed that the extradition was the result of a joint investigation by both countries, in which authorities dismantled seven call centers.
Among the suspects are a married couple accused of extorting approximately 12 billion won (about 255 million baht) from 104 victims using deepfake technology to create fake identities in romance scams. It is also reported that the couple underwent plastic surgery in an attempt to evade authorities.
In addition, another suspect is accused of being involved in defrauding 19.4 billion won (approximately 411 million baht) from a group of retirees and newly employed individuals by impersonating professional investors.
Last October, South Korea extradited 64 suspects following the tragic August incident in which a South Korean student was tortured to death in Cambodia, a case related to being lured into working in the country.