Home / Crime and Justice / Escaped Scammer Exposes Cambodian Fraud Networks
Escaped Scammer Exposes Cambodian Fraud Networks
26 Jan
Summary
- South Koreans lured to Cambodia for fake job, forced into scams.
- Scam networks siphoned millions from victims using fake platforms.
- Escaped workers now aid prosecution of scam ringleaders.
Hundreds of South Koreans were drawn to Cambodia by fraudulent job postings, only to be coerced into running elaborate scam operations for Chinese crime syndicates. These individuals, including Dex, found themselves trapped with confiscated passports and under surveillance, forced to perpetrate "pig-butchering" scams.
These networks exploit victims using fabricated affection and fake investment platforms, leading to devastating financial losses. Southeast Asian scam operations reportedly siphoned at least $10 billion from Americans in 2024 and approximately $148 million from South Koreans in 2023.
Dex, who escaped the compound in Phnom Penh, is now working with victims to build a case against the scam ringleaders. His testimony, supported by evidence, is crucial in prosecuting those responsible for defrauding hundreds of South Koreans.
Investigations have led to arrests and repatriations, including key ringleaders like Kang Da-wit and his wife Ahn Young-ji, who used deepfake technology and aliases. Authorities are pursuing remaining suspects and tracing the illicit funds to dismantle this global scam crisis.
