Returned Home After Paying Ransom in Virtual Currency
Three Reports of Cambodia-Related Crimes Filed in Jeju
Recently, a growing number of reports have emerged regarding crimes such as kidnapping and unlawful confinement targeting Koreans in Cambodia, heightening public anxiety. A man in his 20s from the Jeju region who traveled to Cambodia was held captive by a local criminal organization and was released after paying virtual currency worth tens of millions of won. The police are currently investigating the case.
Amid a series of disappearances and murders of Koreans in Cambodia, a man in his 20s from the Jeju region who traveled to Cambodia was held captive by a local criminal organization and was released after paying virtual currency worth tens of millions of won. The police are investigating. Photo by Asia Economy DB
According to the Jeju Western Police Station on October 13, a family reported on July 9 that they had received a message from an unidentified individual claiming to be holding a man in his 20s, referred to as A. Two days later, on July 11, the same unidentified person contacted A's family again via Telegram, allowing A to speak with his family.
During the call, A said, "I was scammed and ended up in debt, and as a condition for repaying it, I am working to clean out a warehouse in Cambodia." When asked by his family whether he was being held captive, he reportedly replied, "I am not being held captive, but I have never been outside."
After receiving the family's report and launching an investigation, the police determined that A was being held and threatened by a criminal organization and requested local cooperation for a joint investigation. In the midst of these efforts, A suddenly returned to Korea on August 10. A's parents told the police, "We were asked to pay virtual currency worth 35 million won as ransom for A, and after paying it, he was released." A is currently receiving treatment for psychological trauma.
The police investigation revealed that A had traveled to Busan to obtain a loan and subsequently departed for Cambodia on June 28. A police official stated, "The specific circumstances of how A ended up leaving for Cambodia are still under investigation and cannot be disclosed at this time."
Previously, on June 24, another man in his 20s from Jeju, referred to as B, submitted a petition to the police stating that "his mobile phone, bank account, and other financial information were stolen in Cambodia." B had traveled to Cambodia on June 16 after being introduced to a job and was threatened by a criminal organization. However, it was confirmed that he did not suffer confinement or physical assault.
Additionally, on July 7, another man in his 20s from Jeju, referred to as C, reported to the police that "he went to Cambodia to earn money but was held captive and threatened." C had traveled to Cambodia in early June after hearing about a high-paying job, but was confined and assaulted by locals. He managed to escape in early July and returned to Jeju with the help of a local Korean resident.
The Office of the President has formed a task force (TF) to respond to the series of violent crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia and held its first meeting on October 13. The TF is chaired by National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac and includes officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, and other relevant agencies. The task force shared information on crimes against Koreans in Cambodia and discussed practical countermeasures, including strengthening cooperation with Cambodian authorities.
Previously, the seriousness of crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia became a major issue after news broke that a university student, referred to as A, had died from torture by a criminal organization in Cambodia in August and the repatriation of the body was delayed. On October 11, President Lee Jae-myung was briefed on the situation and instructed, "Make every diplomatic effort to protect our citizens."
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