“We conducted a raid based on reports of online scams. Although it was carried out very secretly, the criminal organization had already fled,” stated Pang Naren, Deputy Secretary General of the Cambodian Online Scam Response Committee.
Amid growing concerns over the kidnapping and murder of South Koreans by large-scale voice phishing crime organizations in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, Cambodia, a joint South Korean government response team led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jin-ah and National Office of Investigation Chief Park Sung-joo raided the “Prince Complex” in Cambodia’s Takeo Province on October 16, in collaboration with local law enforcement. The Prince Complex, along with the Mango and Won-gu Complexes, is considered one of the notorious crime hubs near Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.
During an on-site briefing, the joint response team announced that the South Korean and Cambodian governments had agreed to establish a joint task force (TF) to protect victims and implement a rapid response system. Both parties also reached an understanding on the early repatriation of South Korean nationals currently detained for involvement in criminal activities.
Despite the joint government raid on the Prince Complex, the criminal organization had already vacated the premises, leaving the buildings eerily empty. The complex is situated about a 20 to 30-minute drive from Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport, surrounded by vast open fields. The compound consists of more than ten apartment-style buildings, labeled A through K, serving as a massive criminal compound with living quarters, large dining areas, and various convenience facilities.
Inside buildings believed to have housed the criminal organization, discarded clothing and beer cans were scattered in rooms. The accommodations featured rooms equipped with two to four bunk beds each.
Posters outside the presumed dining hall advertised Chinese dishes such as Guilin rice noodles and Xiao Guo Wo Pan, available in Building 3. A charm inscribed with the phrase “Wanshi Ruyi” (May all go as you wish) was affixed to a building, clearly indicating that a Chinese organization was operating the complex. Reports suggest that the Prince Group, led by Chairman Chen Zi – who amassed significant wealth through fraudulent schemes – managed the operation.
In areas that appeared to be workspaces, all major equipment, including computer mainframes, had been removed, leaving only a few chairs and some wires. When questioned about the location, Cambodian police authorities stated that the investigation was ongoing. A storage box labeled for smartphones was seen hanging outside the workspace, suggesting that individuals were identified by numbers rather than names.
Following their inspection of the Prince Complex with Cambodian authorities, Vice Minister Kim and NOI Chief Park held a briefing for the press. They stated, “We emphasized the importance of establishing a Korea-Cambodia Joint Task Force for Scam Crime Response involving South Korea’s National Police Agency and other relevant institutions. We also called for Cambodia’s active cooperation in expediting the repatriation of South Korean citizens currently detained for involvement in criminal activities.”
Park explained, “Previously, victim reports went through a complex process via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs call center or consulate before reaching the local police. We are now establishing a system in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, and National Intelligence Service can jointly respond on-site immediately alongside Cambodian police.” He added, “This immediate intervention capability will significantly reduce response times in protecting our citizens. The operational details are currently being finalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, and National Intelligence Service.”
South Korean and Cambodian authorities also reportedly engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the early repatriation of South Korean nationals currently incarcerated in Cambodian prisons for criminal involvement. Park announced, “We have reached a fundamental agreement on swift and safe repatriation and are currently working through differences in legal procedures between our countries. Overall, a broad consensus has been achieved.”
Meanwhile, the Cambodian government expressed regret and sympathy, but also addressed the heightened travel advisory and negative reports in South Korean media.
During a meeting with the South Korean joint response team, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested a prompt reduction in the travel advisory level, expressing concerns about its negative impact on Cambodian investment and tourism. Kim explained that the measure was unavoidable given the current situation, but assured that South Korea would consider lowering the advisory if conditions improve.
