[Unofficial translation provided by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

“Cambodia call centre scam: 18 arrested after dating app deception”, 29 October 2024

The Ulsan Police Agency's Criminal Investigation Unit announced the arrest of 18 individuals, including a domestic recruitment leader identified as Mr. K (in his 30s), on charges of violating the Special Act on Prevention of Telecommunications Financial Fraud and the Organised Crime Control Act. Five additional suspects were apprehended without detention…

…The group is alleged to have operated a call centre in Cambodia, receiving approximately 6.5 billion won from 61 victims between August 2023 and June 2024.

Mr. K and his associates lured job applicants with promises of "high-paying overseas employment," recruiting counsellors from across the country to send them to Cambodia. They enticed potential workers with claims of comfortable hotel accommodations, offering a basic salary of 5 million won per month, and potential earnings of between 10 million and 20 million won when incentives were included. However, upon arrival, the counsellors had their passports confiscated and were subjected to a restricted lifestyle, living in shared accommodation and accompanied by managers during outings. Reports suggest that upon their return, they were even required to find replacements for their positions.

…