Gyeongnam Provincial Police to Receive Special Voluntary Surrender and Reports on Suspected Overseas Kidnapping, Confinement, and Phishing

Intensive Reporting Period Until December 31

Amid a recent surge in crimes such as kidnapping and confinement targeting South Korean nationals in Cambodia, the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency is intensifying its efforts to receive reports of related crimes in Southeast Asian countries.

On October 20, the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced that it will operate a “Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period for Suspected Overseas Kidnapping, Confinement, and Phishing Crimes” until December 31.

Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Photo by Lee Seryeong

If you confirm that a person has been kidnapped or confined-such as receiving messages like “I am being held,” “I am being assaulted,” or “Please save me”-or if you learn that someone has expressed intent to participate in a crime by mentioning “high-paying part-time jobs” or “bank account delivery part-time jobs” and then lose contact with them after they have left the country, you should report it.

Even if there is no suspicion of a specific crime, you should report cases where someone simply goes missing and cannot be contacted after leaving the country.

Suspected Cases of Overseas Abduction and Detention. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency will also broadly accept voluntary surrenders from individuals involved in phishing crimes such as telecommunication financial fraud, internet fraud, and various investment scams. This includes overseas call center operators, money launderers, domestic cash collectors and withdrawal agents, as well as those who have lent their names to “borrowed” bank accounts or items, even if their involvement was minor.

Those who voluntarily surrender and provide information about accomplices or other members of the organization during the reporting period will be considered for leniency, with sentencing mitigated to the fullest extent permitted by law.

In addition, up to 500 million won will be awarded as a reward for information leading to the arrest of members of organized crime groups.

Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Targets for Overseas Phishing Crimes. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency

Voluntary surrenders, reports, and tips can be made by calling 112, visiting any provincial or metropolitan police agency, police station, police substation, or police box nationwide. Reports can also be made by phone, in person, or through family members or acquaintances acting on behalf of the individual.

Those involved in telecommunication financial fraud (voice phishing) or the distribution and use of “borrowed” bank accounts can also report to the Government Joint Investigation Team for Voice Phishing Crimes.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency plans to transfer all reports of overseas kidnapping and confinement received during this period to a dedicated investigative team within the provincial police agency for response.

As of October 19, there have been a total of 15 reports in the province related to missing persons in Cambodia, with 8 of these cases resolved.

Of the remaining 7 cases, contact has been reestablished with family or acquaintances in 4 cases, and the safety of those individuals is being continuously verified through the local consulate.

For the other 3 cases-including a report that contact was lost with a son who said he was traveling to Cambodia with friends in September-the authorities are working to determine their whereabouts through international cooperation and by checking with acquaintances.

An official from the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency urged, “If you suspect kidnapping, confinement, or disappearance in Cambodia or other Southeast Asian countries, please be sure to report it to the police.”

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