“Touch Koreans and Be Ruined”: Lee vows relentless crackdown on scam gangs in Cambodia

2026-01-30 - 06:06

SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday said his government’s fight against transnational scam gangs targeting Korean nationals is not “empty talk,” as police widen investigations into online fraud networks with links to Cambodia. Posting on the social media platform X, Lee referred to a recent news report stating that Chinese criminal groups operating in Cambodia have stopped recruiting South Koreans, citing concerns over possible crackdowns by Korean authorities. He wrote “If you dare touch Koreans, you will be utterly ruined... Do you think this is just empty talk? The Republic of Korea acts and sees things through to the end!” and “South Korean police have carried out sweeping crackdowns... even Chinese criminal organisations now refuse to take Koreans.” The same message was also shared in the Cambodian language. Lee has repeatedly called for tougher action against transnational crimes targeting South Koreans, particularly in Southeast Asia, and instructed authorities to trace and seize proceeds linked to such criminal activities.