Cambodia, Korea Police Expand Joint Task Force to Combat Transnational Crime

PHNOM PENH, April 29, 2026 (KPT) — The Cambodian National Police and the Korean National Police Agency have agreed to expand their joint task force to cover drug related offences and illegal gambling, strengthening cooperation against transnational crime.

The agreement was reached at the Cambodia–Korea National Police Summit between Cambodian National Police Commissioner General Sar Theth and KNPA Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jae Seong.

Both sides voiced concern over the growing threat posed by criminal networks, particularly online scams, and stressed the importance of close cooperation to safeguard public safety and regional security.

The Cambodia–Korea Joint Task Force for Korean Citizens, established in October 2025, has already produced results.

Since December, Korean officers have worked alongside Cambodian counterparts, arresting 166 suspects — including fugitives hiding in Cambodia — and rescuing five Korean nationals from unlawful detention.

Building on these successes, the task force’s mandate will now extend beyond online scams to cover narcotics and illegal gambling, with enhanced information sharing and joint investigations.

The KNPA reaffirmed its support through its “K Policing” assistance programme, including an 18 billion won project with KOICA to strengthen Cambodia’s crime scene investigation and forensic science capacity.

The expanded cooperation will improve citizen safety in both countries and reinforce bilateral efforts to tackle transnational crime.

Park Jun Sung, Acting Director General of the KNPA’s International Cooperation Bureau, called the summit a turning point in reinforcing trust and coordination between the two forces.