Blue House: "Transnational Crime Response TF Arrests 26 Members of Sex Exploitation Syndicate in Cambodia"

Spokesperson Kang Yujeong Briefs on January 12
Impersonating Government Agencies to Extort Money
165 Korean Nationals Suffer Losses Totaling 26.7 Billion Won

Members of a sexual exploitation crime syndicate arrested on the 5th in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by Cheongwadae

The government-wide Transnational Crime Special Response Task Force (TF) has arrested 26 members of a sexual exploitation crime syndicate in Cambodia, the Blue House announced on January 12, 2026.

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated during a briefing at the Chunchugwan press center that “in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 26 members of a scam crime organization that impersonated government agencies and committed sexual exploitation crimes targeting women were apprehended locally through the Cambodian police.”

According to spokesperson Kang, the syndicate operated out of Phnom Penh and used methods such as impersonating prosecutors or financial regulators. After deceiving victims into believing they were involved in a crime, the perpetrators isolated them in accommodations to cut off outside contact, and then coerced numerous female victims residing in Korea to film sexual exploitation videos.

As a result of these methods, it has been determined that 165 Korean nationals suffered financial damages totaling approximately 26.7 billion won (about 20 million US dollars). Kang explained, “These scam crimes have evolved beyond simply stealing the valuable assets of ordinary citizens; they now ruthlessly exploit psychological vulnerabilities to force the creation of sexual exploitation videos, utterly destroying the lives of victims.”

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson, is briefing on the arrest of members of an online scam organization involved in sexual exploitation in Cambodia at the Blue House press conference room on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

This arrest was the result of a joint operation between the Cambodia Korea Task Force and the National Intelligence Service. The two countries identified the locations of four offices and accommodations used by the syndicate in advance, and on January 5, 2026, local police raided the sites and apprehended the members.

Spokesperson Kang announced, “The government will immediately block access to sexual exploitation videos, thoroughly investigate all alleged crimes without concealment, and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly extradited to Korea for punishment.” For the female victims, the government plans to collaborate with relevant organizations such as the Ministry of Justice’s Smile Center to provide practical support for treatment and to establish measures to prevent recurrence.

Kang further emphasized, “As directed by President Lee Jaemyung, the government will respond strictly at the national level to transnational crimes, including digital sex crimes,” and warned, “We will make it clear that anyone who harms citizens of the Republic of Korea will face severe consequences.”