"Going Abroad for a Job?"... Cambodia Travel Advisory Issued

Jeonnam Autonomous Police Committee Stresses Need for Emergency Preparedness
330 Abduction and Disappearance Cases Reported Nationwide by August
One Case Occurred in Jeonnam... Residents Urged to Report to 112 or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Jeonnam Provincial Government Office Exterior View

The Jeonnam Autonomous Police Committee has strongly urged residents to refrain from traveling to Cambodia and to prioritize their safety, following a recent surge in abduction and disappearance cases targeting Koreans in Cambodia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' issuance of a "special travel advisory."

Recently, there has been a sharp increase in overseas luring crimes, which entice victims with promises of high-income part-time jobs or free accommodation and airline tickets. The number of overseas abduction and disappearance cases jumped from 220 last year to 330 as of August this year. A significant portion of these incidents occurred in Cambodia. In fact, one missing person report has been filed in Jeonnam, and the police are currently investigating.

Most of the victims were deceived by offers such as "guaranteed monthly earnings of several million won" or "visa-free entry" through social media, open chat rooms, and job search websites. After departing Korea, they had their passports and belongings confiscated and were detained by local criminal organizations. It has been confirmed that these victims are then forced into illegal activities, including voice phishing and cryptocurrency or investment scams.

The Jeonnam Autonomous Police Committee emphasized that, given the nature of these crimes, prevention and information sharing are far more important than post-incident rescue. In particular, they advised residents to avoid traveling to high-risk areas abroad. If travel is absolutely necessary for urgent reasons, it is essential to verify the employer, workplace, contract, and visa type before departure, provide copies of your passport and contact information to family members, and install the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center app in advance to prepare for emergencies.

If contact with family or acquaintances is lost after departure, or if suspicious circumstances arise, it is imperative to report immediately to any local police station in Jeonnam or by calling 112, and to seek assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia.

The Jeonnam Autonomous Police Committee plans to strengthen education and publicity to prevent overseas employment scams by operating the "Autonomous Police Safety University Program" and collaborating with Jeonnam Province departments, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency, the Jeonnam Office of Education, and universities in the Jeonnam region. The aim is to create a safe environment for young job seekers and those aspiring to work overseas.

Jeong Soonkwan, Chairperson of the Jeonnam Autonomous Police Committee, stated, "Cambodia is currently designated as a high-risk area, and all unnecessary travel should be strictly avoided. In particular, offers of high-income overseas part-time jobs can be the starting point for abduction and human trafficking crimes, so residents must remain especially vigilant." He added, "In case of emergency, do not hesitate to report to a local police station in Jeonnam or the Consular Call Center."

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