Online Romance Scam in Cambodia Leads to Prison for Two South Koreans
Two South Korean men who worked as luring agents for a romance scam organization in Cambodia have been sentenced to prison.
Judge Ji Hyun-kyung from Busan District Court’s Criminal Division 12 revealed that a man in his 30s, referred to as A, received a four-year prison sentence and was fined 22 million Korean won for fraud, joining a criminal organization, and participating in its activities. Similarly, B, a man in his 20s facing the same charges, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a restitution fee of 20 million Korean won.
Others allegedly joined the romance scam organization after responding to a local job posting on an online Band platform in May–June of last year and then traveled to Cambodia. Starting in October of that year, they allegedly worked as luring agents for a period of seven months.
They contacted victims through Telegram, saying, “I am a manager at a company that introduces women. By joining our site, you can meet women under specific conditions,” tricking victims into sending money for “coupon activation fees” and other excuses. It was revealed that they swindled 840 million Korean won from 20 victims using this scheme.
A, being a high-ranking member, was also responsible for overseeing the education and management of luring agents.
The organization operated much like a corporation, with senior members reporting on subordinates’ work attitudes, activities, and performance to their superiors. Those with poor results were either reprimanded or encouraged. Salaries, ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on position, were paid monthly on the 15th, along with incentives tied to the amount of funds collected from victims.
If a member wanted to leave within three months of joining, they were required to pay a $20,000 fine and cover the “gaebashi” fees, which included setup costs for the computer programs used in the crime. If someone did leave, the financial responsibility was shifted to the other members of the organization.
Judge Ji remarked that the defendants’ involvement in the crime was serious, with romance scam fraud causing significant social harm, warranting strict penalties. However, she acknowledged that the defendants admitted their crimes, expressed remorse, and reached partial settlements with some victims, which were considered.
