Seoul: South Korea on Thursday imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and 132 entities linked to a Southeast Asia-based multinational network accused of running online crimes that targeted South Korean nationals, local media reported, citing a Foreign Ministry statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the measures are part of Seoul's broader campaign against organized crime in the region. The Yonhap news agency reported that the move follows the death of a South Korean college student who was tortured by an online job-scam ring in Cambodia. Officials stated that this is the first instance of South Korea imposing sanctions over transnational criminal activity in Southeast Asia.

The sanctions specifically target online scam organizations and their members, including groups associated with the Prince Group, which is alleged to operate illicit online fraud networks in Cambodia. 'The government has been making all-out and comprehensive efforts to respond to transnational crimes that pose serious threats to the lives and property of our citizens,' the ministry said.

In a recent development, South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding with China on cooperation against voice phishing and online fraud during summit talks between President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month.

In a related crackdown, some 17 South Koreans have been apprehended in Cambodia following a joint operation targeting a scam ring involved in no-show fraud schemes. This operation was conducted by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and local authorities, according to Seoul's spy agency. The NIS reported that its officers, in collaboration with Cambodian authorities, raided the group's main base in Sihanoukville on Nov. 13.