Korea Task Force That Cracked Down on Scam Rings Now Targets Drugs and Gambling

Korea and Cambodia Security Chiefs Strengthen Alliance to Counter Transnational Crime
Korea Task Force Expands Operations to Target Drugs and Illegal Gambling
Transferring Korean Law Enforcement Expertise to Cambodia to Enhance Crime Response Ca

The "Korea Task Force," which played a leading role in cracking down on scam organizations based in Cambodia, will now be targeting drug crimes and illegal online gambling. The law enforcement authorities of Korea and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen their partnership to eradicate transnational crime, including by expanding the scope of work for the Korea Task Force operating locally.

On April 29, Yoo Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, held the "Korea-Cambodia Police Chiefs Meeting" with Sar Thet, Chief of the Cambodian National Police, at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, discussing strategic measures to solidify law enforcement cooperation. Acting Commissioner Yoo and Chief Sar Thet shared the view that criminal organizations such as scam syndicates, which operate across borders, pose a global threat, and agreed that close collaboration is essential to establish public order.

Yu Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency, is shaking hands with Sar Thet, Commissioner of the Cambodian National Police, at the Korean National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 29th ahead of the Korea-Cambodia Security Chiefs Meeting. Korean National Police Agency

The police chiefs of both countries agreed to use this meeting as a starting point to expand the functions of the "Korea Task Force" currently operating in Cambodia. Previously, its activities were limited to scams and related crimes, but going forward, the investigation scope will be extended to include drug crimes and illegal online gambling. The aim is to eradicate the roots of transnational crimes involving Korean nationals.

Following the agreement to establish the task force at the summit between the two countries' leaders in October last year, Korean police officers have worked jointly with their Cambodian counterparts within the Cambodian National Police Agency since December of the same year, responding to crimes targeting Korean nationals. Over the four months leading up to March this year, the Korea Task Force conducted intensive investigations locally, apprehending 166 major criminal suspects, including Korean fugitives. The task force also safely rescued five Korean nationals who were held captive and requested help, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation in protecting overseas nationals.

The decision to expand the functions of the Korea Task Force is a preemptive response to criminal organizations that have grown more widespread and sophisticated across Southeast Asia. Real-time information sharing and joint investigations between the two countries are expected to gain further momentum.

In addition, the National Police Agency plans to share Korean-style advanced policing systems and cutting-edge investigative techniques through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs. Together with KOICA, the agency will also pursue a project worth 18 billion won to strengthen the field forensics and forensic science capabilities of the Cambodian police. This initiative is intended not only to help the Cambodian police develop the expertise necessary to independently respond to increasingly sophisticated transnational crime, but also to better protect Korean nationals abroad.

Park Junseong, Acting Director General of the International Criminal Investigation Bureau at the National Police Agency, stated, "This marks a significant milestone in reaffirming the solid trust between the two police forces and building a joint defense against transnational crime. Going forward, we will continue to thoroughly protect our citizens and lead the way in ensuring public safety across Asia through the strategic operation of the Korea Task Force."

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