President Lee Makes Surprise Visit to Transnational Crime Task Force: "Severe Consequences for Targeting Koreans"

President Lee Jae-myung visited the Transnational Crime Special Response Task Force office at the Changseong-dong Annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 26th to encourage the team and receive a status report. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Lee Jae-myung made an unannounced visit to the Transnational Crime Special Response Task Force office on the 26th. President Lee ordered the team to "actively respond to scam crimes that originate overseas" and emphasized, "Actively inform the public, including by cooperating with local media in Southeast Asia, that those who target Koreans will face severe consequences."

Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, made this announcement in a written briefing on the same day. After receiving a report that the number of scam crime reports, such as voice phishing, has sharply decreased since the launch of the task force, President Lee stated, "Various scam crimes are destroying people's lives and are becoming increasingly sophisticated," and urged, "Continue to respond with even greater rigor going forward."

President Lee also held a video conference with members of the Korea Task Force currently working in Cambodia. He encouraged the local staff, saying, "It must be tough working in difficult conditions away from your families," and added, "All the people of Korea are grateful for your hard work, so you should take pride in what you do." He further suggested, "It would be good to widely promote your enforcement achievements and make them known to the local media as well."

Meanwhile, during the video call, President Lee said, "It's all thanks to you. I should at least buy you some fried chicken," to which one staff member replied, "Please buy us pizza!" prompting laughter. In addition, President Lee told the local Korea Task Force, "Let me know if you need anything," expressing his intention to actively support them with budget and personnel.

On the 25th, President Lee shared a news article on his social media stating that 73 suspects involved in scam crimes in Cambodia had been forcibly extradited to Korea. He remarked, "This is thanks to the dedication of public officials such as the police and the National Intelligence Service," and added, "I should pay a visit to encourage them, shouldn't I?"