Police Report 143 Cases of Missing and Detained Persons in Cambodia Since Last Year

Cooperation with Cambodia Remains Difficult
Korean Desk Unlikely to Be Established Soon

Since last year, 143 cases of missing and detained persons in Cambodia have been reported to the police.

According to the National Police Agency on October 14, a total of 143 cases were reported between January last year and October 13 this year. Of these, 91 cases have been resolved with the whereabouts and safety of the individuals confirmed, while 52 cases are still ongoing.

Yu Jaeseong, Acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, stated at a regular press briefing the previous day regarding the establishment of a Korean Desk in Cambodia, "We have experience setting one up in the Philippines, but it takes a considerable amount of time." He added, "A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the local authorities is required, and it cannot be achieved in a short period." He continued, "It is true that cooperation between police in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries is not as smooth," and emphasized, "We are continuing our efforts in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities."

Earlier, the National Police Agency announced that at a bilateral meeting with Cambodia scheduled for the 23rd, it would discuss countermeasures against crimes targeting Koreans as an agenda item, and would also address the establishment of a Korean Desk and the dispatch of police officers.

To promptly return the bodies of Korean nationals to their families, the police are currently in discussions with Cambodian authorities to visit the country within this month and proceed with autopsies. In addition, the head of the National Investigation Headquarters plans to visit Cambodia soon to assess the local situation and discuss ways to strengthen investigative cooperation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.