In Talks with Cambodian Diplomatic Authorities
Only Three Police Officers Stationed at the Embassy
Considering Increasing Personnel for Two-Shift Coverage
As crimes such as employment scams targeting Koreans, as well as abductions, confinement, and torture, continue to occur in Cambodia, diplomatic authorities have begun strengthening consular assistance and local investigative capabilities.
According to diplomatic sources on October 12, Korean and Cambodian diplomatic authorities are in discussions to increase the number of Korean police officers stationed in Cambodia and to establish a "Korean Desk."
Currently, the Korean Embassy in Cambodia has only three police personnel-one police attach? and two liaison officers-making it difficult to respond to the rapidly increasing number of incidents and accidents.
In response, diplomatic authorities are reportedly considering increasing the number of police officers to a level that would allow for a two-shift system using only police personnel.
If these police officers, who are responsible for handling incidents and accidents, are increased, cooperation with local police and responses to crime victims are expected to become more efficient.
Authorities are also in talks with the Cambodian side to establish a Korean Desk, a dedicated team for crimes involving Koreans, at the local police headquarters, in addition to increasing the number of police attach?s at the embassy.
Authorities are reportedly citing the case of the Korean Desk, which has been operating in the Philippines since 2012, as an example, arguing that Korea can assist in dealing with crimes that are difficult to resolve with Cambodia's own policing capabilities.
There are also calls to strengthen the consular-related organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, as practical issues such as the detention of Koreans in Georgia, United States, and in Israel are becoming more frequent. Currently, the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for both consular policy and field operations, so it is argued that the organization should be reinforced to properly distribute these roles.
Some also argue that more fundamental measures are needed. This is because, despite being aware of crimes involving Koreans in Cambodia, a significant number of people still choose to go there for financial gain.
Currently, some Korean criminals have been arrested by Cambodian authorities, but they are reportedly refusing repatriation to Korea. This suggests that they may be trying to avoid domestic punishment and continue their criminal activities locally in the future.
On August 10, the local prosecution investigating the case of a Korean university student who died after being tortured in Cambodia referred three Chinese nationals to trial on murder charges. Statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kampot Provincial Prosecutor's Office, Cambodia, Yonhap News Agency.
Previously, in a statement released the day before, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that a significant number of people are voluntarily participating in online scams in Cambodia, stating, "These voluntary participants are potential perpetrators of voice phishing targeting ordinary citizens in Korea."
Accordingly, there are calls for diplomatic efforts to prevent innocent victims, while also providing guidance and enforcing domestic punishment for those seeking to make money illegally.
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