Dozens of South Korean nationals detained in Cambodia for their alleged involvement in online scam operations will be sent back to South Korea this week for investigation, officials said on Thursday.
This will be the largest group of Korean criminal suspects to be repatriated from another country at one time.
According to officials, 73 South Koreans were arrested for allegedly running online scam centres in Cambodia. They are accused of cheating fellow Koreans and stealing large amounts of money through fraudulent schemes.
Authorities said the suspects scammed victims of about 48.6 billion won, which is nearly $33 million.
After returning to South Korea, they will face questioning and legal action as part of the investigation.
The case highlights growing concerns over international online scams and the need for stronger cooperation between countries to tackle such crimes.