73 Members of Cambodian Criminal Organization Forcibly Repatriated to Korea... Busan Police Detain 49, the Most Among Agencies

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced on January 23 that, among the 52 members of a criminal organization who were forcibly repatriated from Cambodia and are currently under investigation, three accomplices had already been separately detained.

The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Investigation Unit of the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency transferred 49 suspects, who were forcibly repatriated from Cambodia, to the agency via Incheon International Airport earlier that morning. These individuals are members of a criminal organization based in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Including the three who had previously been detained, a total of 52 people are involved in this case.

According to the police, the suspects are accused of participating in so-called "no-show fraud," in which they impersonated public officials and deceived specific companies into purchasing goods on their behalf by claiming it was "necessary for an audit." So far, 194 victims have been identified, and the estimated damages amount to 6.9 billion won.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency began its investigation into the organization around October of last year. On December 9, 2025, a Korean task force, in cooperation with local police, conducted a joint operation in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, to apprehend members of the criminal group. On December 21, 2025, a team of 10 investigators was dispatched to Cambodia to question those involved in the crimes.

In preparation for the forced repatriation of the criminal group, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency has operated a dedicated task force of 192 members since January 8, 2026, led by Chief of Investigation Won Changhak (Senior Superintendent). During this process, the agency established a cooperative system with related organizations such as the prosecution and the courts to facilitate the repatriation and investigation.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency plans to distribute the 49 suspects repatriated on this day among six subordinate police stations for investigation, and will take strict action in cooperation with relevant institutions. Updates on the progress and results of the investigation will be provided as they become available.

Yonhap News.