• South Korea has repatriated 73 scam suspects from Cambodia over a $33 million fraud.
• The group allegedly defrauded over 800 South Koreans, with reports of deepfake scams.
• This marks the largest group of South Korean criminal suspects repatriated from abroad.
• Authorities emphasize the ongoing fight against transnational cybercrimes impacting citizens.
• Public outrage escalated after the murder of a South Korean student linked to these scams.

South Korea has repatriated 73 individuals suspected of participating in online scam operations conducted in Cambodia. They are accused of defrauding over 800 South Koreans, resulting in losses exceeding 49 billion won (approximately US$33 million). This operation involved a collaborative investigation between South Korean and Cambodian authorities. The suspects arrived at Incheon International Airport on January 23, reported to be the largest group returned so far in relation to such crimes, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The suspects were seen disembarking in masks and casual clothing, and they will face investigations upon their return. A senior South Korean police officer condemned the idea that these individuals could escape punishment for crimes committed abroad, stressing, "It's a big mistake if you think you can evade punishment if you commit a crime outside the country." This sentiment was echoed by a spokesperson from the Korean presidential office, indicating a strong commitment to pursuing justice in cases that harm citizens, as conveyed by South China Morning Post and Reuters.

Among the repatriated suspects, a couple allegedly operated a sophisticated deepfake romance scam that reportedly defrauded about 12 billion won (US$8.2 million) from almost 100 victims. They are believed to have undergone plastic surgery to evade capture. Another suspect stands accused of scamming around 19.4 billion won from retirees by pretending to be a professional investor. These details highlight the elaborate methods used in cyber fraud, underscoring the urgency of the investigation, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The rise in cybercrime, especially scams targeting South Koreans in Southeast Asia, has sparked significant public outcry, particularly following the tragic death of a South Korean student who was tortured and killed after allegedly being forced to work in a scam operation. Authorities in South Korea have voiced their determination to eradicate such crimes and maintain close cooperation with Cambodian officials moving forward, a sentiment echoed by both police and foreign ministry officials. The collaborative efforts reflect a broader initiative to combat transnational cybercrimes affecting South Korean citizens, as reported by South China Morning Post, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.