A fraud organization that operated hundreds of 'Meoktwi' gambling sites has been handed over to the prosecution.
Cash and items seized by the police from an organization operating a 'Meoktwi' gambling site. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
On June 19, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Criminal Investigation Unit announced that it had referred 19 individuals?including a ringleader in his 40s, team leaders, and team members?on charges of organizing a criminal group, fraud, and violation of the Personal Information Protection Act, among others, for operating fraudulent gambling sites.
Ten individuals, including the ringleader and team leaders, were referred to the prosecution in detention, while nine team members whose involvement was brief or who withdrew from the organization partway through were referred without detention. The police have requested an Interpol Red Notice for one mid-level manager who fled overseas.
According to the police, from December 2019 to September of last year, the group operated approximately 250 gambling sites, each for two to three weeks before shutting them down and disappearing, defrauding about 40 billion won from 334 users in the form of recharge fees and other charges.
The group reportedly set up offices in both the Philippines and South Korea, attracted users by sending messages claiming that points on gambling sites were about to expire, then deceived users by claiming a system error to prevent the exchange of recharge fees, and even demanded a registration fee for a "safe account" to prevent further errors.
The investigation also found that the group committed these crimes in an organized manner, living together in shared accommodations and frequently changing mobile phones.
The police seized 2.45 billion won in criminal proceeds, including cash, bank deposits, and stocks.
A police official stated, "People should not be lured by advertisements into accessing illegal gambling sites and should actively report to the police if they become victims of fraud," adding, "The police will conduct strict investigations into fraud crimes that harm multiple victims."
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