U.S. Army investigators and South Korean immigration agents cited several people and businesses at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on Nov. 5, 2024, for alleged immigration violations. (U.S. Army)
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Ten people at retail businesses at this base were cited or deported earlier this month on suspicion of working illegally in South Korea, according to a South Korea immigration investigator Friday.
Army Criminal Investigation Division agents and South Korean investigators apprehended the 10 during a sting operation Nov. 5, an investigator in the Suwon Immigration Office told Stars and Stripes by phone.
The group, including people from Turkey and the Philippines, were allegedly working for a restaurant and jewelry store at Humphreys without work visas, according to the investigator with the Justice Ministry branch in Suwon city.
The unidentified businesses were fined between $2,100 and $6,500, the investigator said.
Humphreys, in Pyeongtaek city, roughly 40 miles south of Seoul, is the largest U.S. military base overseas.
The Suwon office and Army Criminal Investigation Division “will strictly clamp down on illegally employed foreigners and enterprises hiring unlawful aliens,” the statement said.
The suspects were holding South Korean tourist visas, which prohibit them from legally working in the country, the Suwon investigator said.
One suspect has been deported and two others were ordered to leave, the Suwon investigator said. The remaining seven were fined based on their length of employment, he added.
South Korean tourist visas typically allow visitors to stay 90 days before they must renew the visa.
South Korean officials customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted a joint investigation with South Korean law enforcement “based upon information indicating potential criminal activity occurring on U.S. Army installations within [South Korea],” spokesman Mark Lunardi said in an email Saturday.
No further details are being provided due to the ongoing investigation, he added.
