According to the "Central Daily News", the South Korean police recently dismantled an international online gambling syndicate that has been operating illegal gambling websites in Southeast Asia since 2019, handling gambling funds totaling 530 billion Korean won (approximately 384 million US dollars), with illegal profits exceeding 27.1 billion won. During the operation, 32 suspects were arrested, and 13 were formally detained.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the South Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency pointed out that the organization operated 8 online gambling sites in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam from January 2019 to July 2024, offering various gambling options such as sports betting and baccarat. Users need to pass verification through Telegram to access the platform and can place bets while watching sports events.
The investigation revealed that the group adopted a corporate management model, establishing "Promotion Teams" and "Operation Teams", employing a large number of women as online dealers, and attracting male users by posting live streaming links and images. The promotional activities even involved minors, raising social concerns.
The police first received a report at the end of 2023, discovering that the organization was recruiting teenagers for promotional work. This year's investigation expanded further, with 26 members subsequently arrested, 13 of whom have been detained by the court.
Law enforcement also seized assets worth 9.2 billion won, including luxury cars, real estate, and cash. The Korean Communications Standards Commission has blocked the related websites, and the National Tax Service is also pursuing the recovery of illegal profits.
The authorities emphasized that they will continue to crack down on such overseas gambling networks and strengthen measures to prevent harm to minors.
