Overview
- Cambodian authorities detained a Chinese national of Korean descent early Thursday at a Phnom Penh restaurant, with reports identifying him as Rhee Kwang-ho or Li Guanghao.
- South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said the suspect was taken into custody with other detainees through cooperation with Cambodian police and confirmed his alleged role in directing the crime.
- Investigators say he is accused of orchestrating the abduction, torture and killing of a university student surnamed Park near a criminal compound by Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province.
- The Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh was notified of the arrest and is reviewing possible repatriation as Cambodian officials conduct questioning, with proceedings likely to occur in Cambodia for now.
- Three Chinese nationals had already been indicted in the case, and a joint Korea–Cambodia unit launched on Nov. 10 continues to probe related suspects, including links to ransom demands, money laundering and prior drug offenses.