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HANOI, Vietnam, Financial News — “Sentences for online scam crimes vary depending on the period of involvement, the amount of money involved, and the person’s role, but even ordinary members face at least three years in prison. Team leader-level members may be sentenced to between seven and 15 years.”

Chon Hyeong Hwan, Managing Partner at Mega-X Law Office, explained the recent pattern of such crimes on the 26th, referring to the large number of “Southeast Asia job postings” still being uploaded on Telegram and other social media platforms. He said, “In most recent cases, participants join even though they are aware that it is voice phishing crime.” He added, “Some come to Thailand after feeling at risk in Korea, such as after working as cash withdrawal operatives and coming under investigation.”

(Omitted)

Attorney Chon is currently representing many individuals who were lured by promises of “high-paying part-time jobs” and joined voice phishing organizations in Southeast Asia, as well as victims who were kidnapped and confined for various reasons. As an attorney on the front line of scam-related cases, Chon emphasized, “The reality is that effective investigations are only possible if Korean police enter the scene directly.” He added, “The first step should be to increase the number of police personnel dispatched overseas.”

Chon also warned that criminal methods are evolving even faster. “No matter how many campaigns are carried out telling people not to be deceived, criminal organizations continue to evolve their methods,” he said. “Recently, they have even been using video calls directly, showing identification cards to deceive victims.”

(Omitted)

To prevent such problems, Attorney Chon hires local Thai attorneys to appear in court and communicates with Korean clients in real time through KakaoTalk group chats. “In Thailand, administrative procedures are slow, so official letters for prison visits may be omitted, or trial notices may not be delivered,” he said. “If these situations are not carefully monitored, the damage ultimately falls on the client.” For this reason, Chon lives between Seoul and Bangkok.

Attorney Chon also expressed concern over the improper business practices of so-called “broker-lawyers” in Thailand. He said, “There are cases where local Korean brokers collude with police and deceive Koreans again by saying, ‘If you pay, we can get you released.’” He added, “They put up law firm signs and pretend to be attorneys, but in reality, they are unlicensed brokers. In the end, clients can suffer serious damage.”

Source: Financial News, Hanoi, Vietnam Correspondent Kim Jun-seok, “[fn People] ‘Southeast Asia Has Become a Base for Scam Organizations… On the Front Line of Legal Aid for Kidnapping Victims,’” October 26, 2025.
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