Seoul: Thousands of Republic of Koreans who ventured to Cambodia have not returned home in recent years, a lawmaker revealed, citing government data. This trend suggests that a significant number of nationals might be involved in scam centers operating in the Southeast Asian nation.

According to Lao News Agency, justice ministry data submitted to Rep. Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party highlighted a concerning discrepancy in the numbers. The difference between Republic of Koreans who departed for Cambodia and those who returned was 3,209 in 2022, 2,662 in 2023, and 3,248 in 2024. These figures mark a stark increase from 113 in 2021.

The sheer volume of Republic of Koreans yet to return raises suspicions that the number potentially involved in Cambodian scam operations could exceed the government’s estimate of approximately 1,000. Between January and August of this year, 67,609 Republic of Koreans traveled to Cambodia, with only 66,745 returning, leaving a gap of 864 individuals.

Further complicating the issue, some Koreans are believed to enter Cambodia via third countries. Cambodian immigration data revealed that 192,305 Republic of Koreans entered the country last year, almost double the 100,820 who left Korea for Cambodia in the same period, according to Republic of Korean statistics.

An acquaintance of a worker at a Cambodian criminal complex informed Yonhap News Agency that 2,000 to 3,000 Republic of Koreans might be engaged in scam operations. “There are not only those who leave by boarding a plane but those who smuggle themselves in by going through China,” the source stated.

Another individual, claiming former employment at a criminal complex, mentioned about 50 Republic of Koreans working there. “Some of them earned money and went to another region to start a new company,” the individual, in his twenties, explained.

The situation garnered significant public attention in August when a Republic of Korean college student was tortured to death in Cambodia after being deceived by a job scam. This incident intensified public concern regarding crimes against nationals in the country.

Rep. Park emphasized the necessity of scrutinizing data on non-returning nationals, suggesting a detailed reinspection by the government, comparing individual entry and exit records with consular and police data. “A reinspection on those who do not return is absolutely necessary,” Park asserted.

In a related development, 64 Republic of Koreans detained in Cambodia over alleged online scams returned home on a chartered flight under police custody on Saturday.