Jeonnam Office of Education Staff "Why Is This Happening"... Threatened After Fraud Gambling Losses

Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Education officials in the Jeonnam region are expected to face repercussions after being implicated in a large-scale fraudulent gambling scheme orchestrated by a local newspaper correspondent.

According to the Jangheung Police Station on the 23rd, two level-6 education officials were deceived by a local internet journalist, Mr. A, in his 50s, and eight accomplices involved in the fraudulent gambling, losing a large sum of money and even receiving threats that the gambling incident would be exposed.

They suffered damages totaling approximately 150 million KRW after being tricked by Mr. A and others using special Chinese-made equipment in a container office in Jangheung-gun, Jeonnam. Upon realizing they had been deceived, they attempted to file a complaint with the police but were instead threatened by Mr. A, who said he would expose the fact that education officials had gambled.

In particular, Mr. B (53 years old), who works in facility management in the Jangheung area, was reportedly under significant psychological stress as he had previously received a 'reprimand' in 2016 for a similar issue.

A police official stated, "Mr. A and his accomplices are under investigation as suspects, while the implicated officials are being investigated as victims. Detailed information will be known only after the investigation is complete."

The Jangheung Police have arrested and indicted two main perpetrators, including Mr. A, on charges of fraudulent gambling using special equipment, and have forwarded six accomplices involved in the gambling with a recommendation for non-custodial prosecution.

A representative from the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education's Audit Office said, "This is a serious matter concerning the dignity of education officials, so it cannot be taken lightly. We are investigating the officials involved. If they participated in gambling, they may be considered suspects, but if they were victims of fraudulent gambling, they may be treated as victims. We are seeking legal advice from attorneys," adding, "We will conduct a thorough investigation to leave no doubts."