Joint Raid Seizes 26 Suspects in Phnom Penh The Korean National Intelligence Service and police teamed with Cambodian authorities to storm offices and residences on Jan 5, detaining 26 members of a sexual‑exploitation ring. The operation was announced by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu‑jung, who emphasized the cross‑border coordination. Both Yonhap reports note the raid was part of a pan‑government task force effort[1][2].

Ring Posed as Officials to Extract Massive Funds Investigators say the group impersonated prosecutors and financial regulators, convincing 165 South Korean nationals they faced criminal investigations. Using this ruse, the scammers extorted roughly 26.7 billion won from the victims. The scale indicates a sophisticated operation targeting Koreans abroad[1].

Victims Coerced Into Producing Explicit Material Female victims were forced to record sexual videos or send explicit photos under threat of fabricated legal action. Authorities describe the tactic as a shift from simple theft to psychologically manipulative exploitation. The coerced content is slated for immediate blocking by the government[1].

Government Plans Video Blockage and Suspect Repatriation Seoul announced it will block circulation of the exploitative videos and verify each detainee’s nationality before returning them to South Korea for prosecution. The repatriation strategy aims to protect nationals abroad and ensure accountability. The move follows heightened security measures after the August death of a Korean student in Cambodia[1][2].