36 Reports of Kidnapping and Confinement in Cambodia Filed with Seoul Police... 14 Cases Closed with No Charges

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) has received 36 reports of suspected kidnapping and confinement of Koreans in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Of these, 14 cases have been closed with no evidence of wrongdoing, while investigations are ongoing for the remaining 22 cases. The SMPA plans to respond proactively by establishing a Task Force (TF) within the Metropolitan Investigation Unit dedicated to cases involving missing, kidnapped, or confined overseas nationals.
Park Jeong-bo, Commissioner of the SMPA, stated at a regular briefing on the 20th that 36 reports of suspected kidnapping and confinement of Koreans had been received, and 14 of these were closed with no charges. In these 14 cases, the individuals reported were found not to be involved in any crime and their safety was confirmed.
The SMPA is continuing investigations into the remaining 22 cases. The Metropolitan Investigation Unit has formed a dedicated TF of 44 members, led by the chief of the detective squad, to focus on cases of missing, kidnapped, or confined individuals. The TF will actively investigate any new reports received. The TF consists of one investigation team and two cyber investigation teams.
Commissioner Park explained, "Local police stations make an initial assessment of reported cases, and if there is any indication of criminal involvement, the case is handed over to the TF." He added, "In particular, the two cyber teams will go beyond simply deleting or blocking luring advertisements and will actively pursue investigations, including tracking bank accounts and IP addresses of the posters." He further noted, "Operators who knowingly post illegal advertisements related to crimes will be reviewed as accomplices and appropriate action will be taken."
The SMPA has also designated a separate team to investigate the 'Prince Group,' which has been identified as being behind the criminal compounds in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This team is currently analyzing intelligence received. If any criminal activity is detected, a preliminary investigation or full-scale investigation will be launched immediately.
Authorities are also examining possible criminal connections in the case of Ms. A, a Korean woman in her 30s who was found near the Vietnam border in the Kingdom of Cambodia on the 7th.
Commissioner Park stated, "We are investigating the cause of death," and added, "There appear to be aspects suggesting criminal involvement, so the case has been transferred to the Metropolitan Investigation Unit." Regarding the possibility that Ms. A may have participated in a crime, he said, "Clarifying the cause of death is the priority, and if other suspicions arise during this process, they will, of course, be investigated."
Investigations are also underway into whether a missing woman in her 20s, found in the Kingdom of Cambodia, was involved in any criminal activity. A police official stated, "We have received related tips and are trying to contact the victim to obtain a statement," adding, "The investigation has not yet taken place as a schedule has not been set."
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter