Establishment of the Korea Task Force in Cambodia
The Korean National Police Agency has taken a significant step in addressing the growing issue of crimes targeting South Koreans in Cambodia. On the 10th, they announced the formation of a ‘Korea Task Force’ at the Cambodian National Police headquarters. This move comes in response to an increase in criminal activities, particularly voice phishing and other online crimes, committed by Chinese-based organizations operating in the region.
These criminal groups have also created large complexes locally known as “웬치,” which are used to lure and detain South Korean youths in their 20s and 30s. Once detained, these individuals are coerced into participating in various criminal activities. To tackle this problem, the police plan to form a dedicated task force (TF) focused on handling cases involving South Koreans. The TF aims to assist in investigating local voice phishing organizations and rescuing any detained South Korean nationals.
Collaboration with Cambodian Authorities
Yoo Jae-sung, acting head of the Korean National Police Agency, visited the Cambodian National Police headquarters in Phnom Penh on the same day and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the Korea Task Force. The task force will be stationed within the Cambodian National Police headquarters, with officers from both countries working together. Their goal is to swiftly handle rescue operations, investigations, and repatriation once cases are reported.
Kidnapping and detention crimes targeting South Koreans have surged in Cambodia, a trend that was previously more common in the Philippines. In 2012, South Korean police first dispatched a ‘Korean Desk’ to the Philippines to jointly investigate cases involving South Koreans with local authorities. As the number of South Korean victims increased in Cambodia, discussions began regarding the establishment of a ‘Korean Desk’ in Phnom Penh with local authorities.
However, this time, the police explained that a higher-level cooperation system, the ‘Korea Task Force,’ has been formed. Unlike the Korean Desk, which allowed South Korean officers to work alongside local police but not accompany them to crime scenes, the Korea Task Force will be able to dispatch jointly with local police to crime scenes, such as criminal complexes where South Koreans are detained.
Key Personnel and Activities
The opening ceremony of the Korea Task Force was attended by Acting Head Yoo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun. During a meeting with General Sour Tem, the Cambodian National Police chief, Yoo stated, “We will support the task force to operate more effectively by dispatching expert investigators and providing technical and equipment support.”
It was reported that South Korean police will also participate in analyzing evidence, such as burner phones seized during crackdowns on criminal organizations in Cambodia. Evidence analysis is essential for investigating online fraud like voice phishing, and South Korean police have agreed to assist in this process. A source from the police stated, “The introduction of South Korean technology to the region will significantly enhance the level of evidence collection against criminal organizations.”
Recruitment and Future Plans
The Korean National Police Agency recently announced a recruitment for officers below the rank of superintendent to be dispatched to the Korea Task Force. Their responsibilities will include gathering intelligence on criminal complexes, supporting investigative crackdowns, and handling initial responses to incidents and accidents involving South Koreans. Five to seven officers are scheduled to be dispatched to the region within this month.
The agency stated, “After operating the Korea Task Force in Cambodia, we plan to expand it to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos,” adding, “We will establish an international cooperation system to combat cross-border online fraud crimes.”
Conclusion
The establishment of the Korea Task Force marks a critical step in enhancing international collaboration to address transnational crimes. By working closely with Cambodian authorities, South Korean police aim to improve the safety and security of their nationals abroad. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to combat online fraud and other criminal activities through enhanced cooperation and technological support. With plans to expand the task force to other regions, the Korean National Police Agency is taking proactive measures to ensure the protection of South Koreans globally.