Lao security forces assisted South Korean authorities in arresting 14 Korean nationals operating an online scam call center in Laos, according to South Korean media reports.
The arrests were part of a broader investigation into a transnational fraud organization known as the Songnampa Group, which allegedly operated overseas call centers to target victims.
South Korean police announced on 26 February that 35 members of the network had been arrested for violating the country’s Telecommunications Fraud Compensation Act, with 23 suspects detained, including the group’s leader, described as a Chinese national of Korean descent.
Investigators said the group defrauded 224 victims, causing losses of about KRW 24.5 billion (approximately USD 17 million).
Operation Structure
According to police, the organization operated in a corporate-like structure, assigning specific roles to members and frequently relocating its bases between countries to avoid detection.
Authorities said the gang targeted victims by falsely claiming they were involved in financial crimes. Victims were directed to fake investigative websites displaying fabricated arrest warrants and were pressured by scammers impersonating prosecutors, court officials, or financial institution employees.
In many cases, victims were instructed to install remote-control applications or malicious software on their mobile phones. The suspects then pressured them to take loans or withdraw funds before transferring the money to accounts controlled by the network.
South Korean police said the investigation began in November 2024 after the organization was uncovered during a separate fraud probe. Authorities subsequently revoked the passports of suspects and placed them on international watch lists.
Call Center in Laos
Following a request for international cooperation, Lao security forces assisted in October 2025 in the arrest of 14 Korean suspects operating a call center in Laos, according to the report.
Online fraud has increasingly become a transnational crime challenge in Southeast Asia, with scam networks often operating from overseas locations to target victims in other countries.
Lao authorities have also identified online fraud as a major concern. During a government meeting held on 24–25 February, officials said efforts to combat scam networks remain a priority.
Authorities said investigations into online fraud cases involve both Lao and foreign nationals and require continued international cooperation.
