"Korean language centre staff arrested for breach of trust", 28 April 2025

Seven members of staff and management of a Korean language training centre were arrested by police for allegedly taking more than $20,000 from about 30 labourers to secure work in South Korea, but failed in the attempt and refused to refund the money.

Lieutenant Colonel Heng Vichetr, a Deputy Chief of the Crimes Investigation Unit in Phnom Penh, said yesterday that the seven suspects from the SP Yuhak Centre located in Bak Touk village, Russei Keo district’s Tuol Sangke commune were arrested on Friday.

Lt Col Vichetr said the court issued a warrant for the suspects’ arrest after the labourers staged a protest in front of the centre demanding that the money be refunded, but were refused by staff at the centre.

He said that according to the police report, …, the suspects persuaded labourers from the provinces to work in South Korea, which would be found by the SP Yuhak Centre.

To apply for work in South Korea, the suspects had to pay the centre a deposit of $600 each for fees in Korean language training and other relevant travel documents.

“When the victims demanded a refund, the suspects refused,” he said.

Colonel Heang Thareth, Chief of Russei Keo district police, confirmed … that the suspects had now been sent to the court for legal proceedings.

He said the suspects are accused of “breach of trust” under Articles 391 and 392 of the Criminal Code.