Ex-Police Chief Named South Korea’s Envoy to Cambodia as Nations Form Anti-Scam Task Force

SEOUL, South Korea (Nov. 28, 2025) — Former National Police Agency Commissioner General Kim Chang-yong has been appointed South Korea’s new ambassador to Cambodia, the foreign ministry said Friday, as the two countries intensify cooperation against transnational online scam networks.

The appointment underscores Seoul’s intent to strengthen law enforcement collaboration with Phnom Penh, where scam operations have proliferated in recent years, ensnaring South Korean nationals both as operators and victims.

Kim, a career police officer and graduate of the Korean National Police Agency, previously served as head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s public safety bureau, commissioner of the National Police Agency, and consul in Sao Paulo and the United States.

His policing background is expected to bolster bilateral efforts against organized cybercrime. South Korea and Cambodia recently agreed to establish a joint task force to dismantle scam rings, improve intelligence sharing, and protect vulnerable workers. The move follows a series of high-profile cases, including the repatriation last month of 64 South Koreans detained in Cambodia over alleged online scams.

Earlier this month, a police unit dedicated to tackling online crimes involving South Koreans was set up in Cambodia, reflecting growing urgency to curb the networks’ reach. Officials said the task force will coordinate investigations, strengthen extradition procedures, and expand victim support programs.