The National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency announced on May 1 that it will intensively crack down on illegal gambling activities taking place at hold'em pubs until August this year.
The National Investigation Headquarters Special Investigation Unit of the National Police Agency requested Kim Shin, Family Director of the Presidential Security Service, to appear on the 14th on charges of obstructing official duties but he did not attend that day. Director Kim is accused of preventing the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency and the police from executing an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seokyeol on the 3rd. Photo by Jo Yongjun
From 2023 to 2024, the police arrested 4,843 individuals (49 of whom were detained) on charges of operating illegal gambling establishments and gambling, and confiscated or collected approximately 15 billion won in criminal proceeds.
The main targets of the crackdown include gambling activities conducted inside business establishments such as hold'em pubs, exchanging chips used in games for items of monetary value such as cash or coins, and business owners taking profits in the form of commissions or other benefits. The police also plan to closely investigate irregular illegal activities such as exchanging through seed rights and violations in the operation of holder tournaments.
A police official stated, "We plan to offer a reward of up to 5 million won to informants who provide decisive evidence," and added, "If a gambler voluntarily turns themselves in, they may be eligible for discretionary mitigation and exemption from punishment, so we encourage active reporting."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
