South Korea hosts 110 foreign fugitives from overseas crimes

Data released by the Korean National Police Agency to lawmaker Kim Jun-hwan reveals that 110 foreign nationals are currently hiding in South Korea after committing crimes abroad. As of July 12, the largest group of fugitives consists of 40 individuals (36%) wanted by Interpol from China, followed by 19 from Uzbekistan, 17 from Mongolia, and 13 from Vietnam.

In terms of criminal activity, fraud is the most common offense, accounting for 47 cases (43%). Other categories include various violations related to minors, kidnapping, and prostitution, alongside drug offenses, theft, and assault.

The police have expanded their international cooperation unit from 22 to 64 personnel this year, leading to a near doubling of extraditions, from 13 last year to 24 as of August. Lawmaker Kim Jun-hwan emphasized the need for increased budget and manpower to prevent these fugitives from threatening domestic public safety.