South Korean national wanted by Interpol arrested in Vietnam

Lam Dong police said 38-year-old Hong Sangwoo was apprehended and handed over to the Ministry of Public Security for further processing.

According to Interpol, Hong was a key figure in a transnational fraud ring based in Cambodia. 

He allegedly recruited and trained South Korean nationals and provided translation support for Chinese members of the group.

The syndicate reportedly impersonated U.K.-based asset management firm Janus Henderson Group and lured victims through the KakaoTalk messaging app by promising 'high returns and absolute safety' on investments. 

Victims were then directed to install fake stock trading apps, allowing the group to illegally siphon off their assets.

Their estimated losses total about seven billion South Korean won (roughly US$5.1 million).

Interpol issued an international arrest warrant for Hong on September 6, 2024, citing fraud charges under Article 347 of South Korea's Criminal Code.

On April 18, 2025, Interpol's South Korean bureau formally requested Vietnam's assistance in locating and detaining the suspect.

Acting on directives from the Ministry of Public Security, Lam Dong police launched an investigation and tracked down Hong.