South Korea has issued a “code-black” travel ban for parts of Cambodia following the death of a student and growing concerns over scam centers employing South Koreans under forced labor.
South Korea on Wednesday imposed a “code-black” travel ban on parts of Cambodia amid rising cases of human trafficking and online scam operations. The Foreign Ministry said the restriction covers Bokor Mountain, Bavet City, and Poipet City, warning citizens against travel to those areas.
Authorities estimate that about 1,000 South Koreans are working in Cambodia’s scam compounds, part of an industry employing up to 200,000 people globally. “A considerable number of South Koreans are also thought to be employed there,” said National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.
The move follows the death of a South Korean college student, whose body showed signs of torture. Three Chinese nationals have been charged in connection with his killing and alleged online fraud activities.
Seoul says it is committed to bringing its citizens home. “We are arranging a flight to bring them home … We aim to complete this by the end of the week,” Wi stated.