South Korea, Cambodia Launch Joint Task Force to Combat Scam Crimes

South Korea, Cambodia Strengthen Cooperation to Eradicate Scam Crimes; 'Korea Task Force' to Launch in November

South Korea and Cambodia have agreed to establish a comprehensive cooperation system to jointly address the escalating issue of scam crimes. President Lee Jae-myung and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held a summit on October 27, 2025, and decided to officially launch the 'Korea Task Force,' also known as the 'South Korea-Cambodia Joint Task Force,' starting in November. This decision reflects both countries' serious recognition of the surge in scam crimes, particularly Cambodia's commitment to actively addressing crimes targeting Koreans. This agreement is expected to significantly contribute to dismantling scam crime organizations and minimizing damage through bilateral cooperation. The South Korean government anticipates that this collaboration will enhance its investigative capabilities against overseas-based criminal organizations and set a model for international cooperation. The Cambodian government also expects that eradicating scam crimes will improve its national image and positively influence foreign investment. Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced the details of the agreement between the two leaders during the ASEAN Summit, confirming the launch date of the Korea Task Force and plans to expedite the dispatch of South Korean police and operational methods. This demonstrates the South Korean government's proactive approach to addressing scam crimes. The deployment of police is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening investigative cooperation in Cambodia and facilitating the sharing of criminal information. Furthermore, the transfer of advanced South Korean investigative techniques and know-how to Cambodian investigative agencies is expected to contribute to strengthening Cambodia's investigative capabilities. The swift decision on the operational methods of the Korea Task Force is expected to enhance cooperation efficiency between the two countries and enable immediate responses to scam crimes. This is expected to greatly contribute to protecting the safety of South Korean citizens and alleviating the anxiety of travelers visiting Cambodia. President Lee Jae-myung expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for its cooperation in combating scam crimes and emphasized joint efforts, while Prime Minister Hun Manet highly praised the agreement to establish a 'Korean Task Force' after communicating with the South Korean joint response team. This shows that both leaders deeply agree on the importance of cooperation in eradicating scam crimes. President Lee Jae-myung's gratitude expresses appreciation for the Cambodian government's active cooperation and implies the expectation of continued collaboration in the future. Prime Minister Hun Manet's assessment of the agreement to establish a 'Korean Task Force' demonstrates the Cambodian government's awareness of the seriousness of scam crimes targeting Koreans and its active commitment to resolving them. These statements from both leaders are expected to lay a positive foundation for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries in eradicating scam crimes. Furthermore, this cooperation is expected to enhance trust between the people of both countries and contribute to further developing bilateral relations. President Lee Jae-myung also stated that he would instruct relevant ministries to consider lowering the travel advisory for some areas, including Phnom Penh, in consideration of the improved security situation in Cambodia. This is interpreted as a positive evaluation of Cambodia's efforts to combat scam crimes and a measure to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens visiting Cambodia. Lowering the travel advisory is expected to alleviate the anxiety of South Korean citizens visiting Cambodia and contribute to revitalizing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Furthermore, it is expected to positively impact the revitalization of Cambodia's tourism industry and contribute to further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. However, lowering the travel advisory should be carefully considered and decided while continuously monitoring the trend of security improvement in Cambodia. The two leaders acknowledged that bilateral relations have achieved remarkable growth since the re-establishment of diplomatic ties in 1997 and confirmed that cooperation in addressing scam crimes will be an important opportunity to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. This shows that the two countries aim to not only eradicate crime through cooperation in addressing scam crimes but also to further develop bilateral relations. Cooperation in addressing scam crimes is expected to further consolidate trust between the two countries and contribute to promoting cooperation in various fields. In particular, exchanges in various fields such as economy, culture, and education are expected to be 활성화, and it is expected to have a positive impact on enhancing understanding between the people of both countries. Furthermore, cooperation in addressing scam crimes is expected to contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two countries to achieve common goals in the international community. President Lee Jae-myung also requested Cambodia's continued support for various difficulties faced by South Korean companies operating in Cambodia during their management process, and Prime Minister Hun Manet pledged to actively work to resolve local difficulties faced by South Korean companies. This shows that the South Korean government is actively supporting the overseas expansion of its companies, and the Cambodian government is also demonstrating its commitment to improving the investment environment for foreign companies. Resolving the management difficulties of South Korean companies is expected to promote investment expansion in Cambodia and contribute to further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, it is expected to have a positive impact on Cambodia's economic development and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of South Korean companies. The Cambodian government's pledge of active support is expected to increase the credibility of South Korean companies' investment in Cambodia and serve as an opportunity for more South Korean companies to enter the Cambodian market.