A group that set up an overseas office and operated illegal casino gambling sites worth approximately 250 billion KRW has been caught by the police.
The Cyber Investigation Unit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 1st that they had apprehended 18 members of the group, and among them, the ringleader in his 40s, identified as Mr. A, and a team leader in his 30s, were arrested and referred for prosecution.
According to the police agency, Mr. A and others are suspected of establishing an office in the Philippines from September 2022 to May of last year and operating four illegal casino game sites, including baccarat and slots.
They promoted their sites by sending text messages and advertising in PC rooms with distributors, attracting 9,450 members and receiving deposits amounting to approximately 250 billion KRW.
The police discovered suspicious financial flows while analyzing accounts used for money laundering in another case and launched an investigation, analyzing more than 300 accounts.
Subsequently, in June 2024, after arresting team leader Mr. B, who had temporarily returned to Korea from the Philippines, the police sequentially apprehended 16 other operators who were in the Philippines.
The ringleader, Mr. A, who had fled to avoid the tightening investigation, was forced to return and arrested through passport invalidation measures.
Additionally, 7.5 billion KRW in criminal proceeds obtained from operating the gambling sites was preserved by applying for pre-indictment confiscation and receiving approval.
A representative from the provincial police agency emphasized, "Cyber gambling is a serious crime that not only causes financial damage to individuals due to its addictive nature but also brings about various social problems."
They further advised, "Do not be deceived by gambling site advertisements on the internet, social networking services (SNS), or text messages that entice you with promises of high returns or recharge bonuses."
The provincial police agency plans to continue special crackdowns on illegal cyber gambling and focus investigative resources until October 31.
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