Seoul: South Korea's tax authorities have announced the commencement of an investigation targeting a domestic branch of the Cambodia-based Prince Group, suspected of operating a widespread scam network. This inquiry comes as part of a broader government review of Korean nationals allegedly involved in online scams linked to criminal organizations, including the Prince Group, which has faced international sanctions for its involvement in serious criminal activities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Tax Service (NTS) has initiated the investigation into the office located in central Seoul. The group is accused of establishing overseas real estate consulting firms in major commercial areas of Seoul, disguising them as liaison points while hiring local staff. Allegedly, the group raised tens or hundreds of millions of won from domestic investors for real estate projects, channeling these funds to affiliated Cambodian companies.

Ahn Deok-soo, an official from the NTS, informed reporters that there is yet no verification that domestic investors acquired any properties. The group is suspected of masking phishing crime proceeds as overseas real estate investments. The NTS plans a thorough investigation of local individuals potentially involved in illicit profits or tax evasion through their alleged activities.

Should criminal links be confirmed, the NTS intends to refer cases to prosecutors and collaborate with relevant agencies to recover criminal proceeds. "We will work to prevent further damage from international scam networks and the outflow of national wealth," Ahn stated.

In a related development, 64 South Koreans detained in Cambodia for alleged online scams were repatriated in October on a chartered flight. Many of these individuals now face criminal investigations in South Korea, following a public outcry over the death of a South Korean college student reportedly tortured by a criminal ring in Cambodia.