South Korea busts large-scale illegal online betting ring
South Korean police have dismantled a large-scale illegal online gambling operation that processed about KRW 44 billion (US$31.6 million) in bets. The network was run from Cambodia to evade local authorities and had attracted over 11,000 users before being taken down.
The Cybercrime Investigation Team of the Daegu National Police Agency said ten people had been arrested over the operation. Among those arrested was a man in his 30s, known only as “A,” who was believed to be the leader of the group. Seven suspects, including A, remain in custody, while three others have been released but continue to face charges. In addition, authorities have also charged 174 people, but did not arrest them.
Investigators said the group based its operations in Cambodia, using tourist visas to move in and out undetected. The site was run in an organised way, with members assigned roles for handling deposits and withdrawals, managing users, and supervising staff.
The platform attracted 11,144 members, who were encouraged to place large bets on games such as “Sports Toto” and “Baccarat,” both of which are illegal in South Korea outside licensed venues. Police have emphasised the scale of the operation, noting that it was run in a professional and systematic way.
Year-long probe
Police uncovered the illegal gambling ring in November 2023 after tracing its website and an office in Cambodia. By July 2024, authorities had launched coordinated raids, arresting both the organisers and participants involved in the operation.
During the probe, KRW 270 million (around $194,000) in illegal proceeds was seized, and another KRW 120 million (about $86,000) from a suspect’s accounts was frozen to prevent the funds from being moved before formal charges.
South Korean authorities have stepped up their crackdown on illegal gambling networks throughout the summer. In August, authorities dismantled another criminal group accused of defrauding players through rigged casino games. Earlier this year, a separate investigation uncovered a network handling more than KRW 500 billion ($384 million) in illegal bets. These cases highlight just how large and organised illegal gambling operations have become, constantly adapting to bypass South Korea’s strict regulations.
International cooperation and regulatory context
Police confirmed they are working with Interpol to track down suspects who may have fled overseas. Enforcement efforts are expected to continue until 31 October, targeting both operators and high-stakes gamblers who make use of offshore platforms. A police official said, “We will ensure the arrest of suspects fleeing overseas through international cooperation with Interpol and thoroughly recover criminal proceeds.”
Gambling laws in South Korea are among the strictest in the region. Legal gambling is restricted to lotteries, horse racing, and a few licensed casinos, while online gambling is banned unless run through state-approved platforms. These limits often drive operators to base their activities overseas, making enforcement more difficult.
The government has said it intends to strengthen gambling regulations and improve cooperation with international authorities. Officials say tighter oversight is necessary to stop organised crime groups from taking advantage of online platforms and cross-border loopholes.
Crackdown sends a strong warning
The closure of this KRW 44 billion gambling operation shows how serious South Korea is about stopping illegal gambling. Authorities are making it clear that both the operators and the players will face consequences. With ongoing efforts and help from other countries, they hope to shut down these networks and prevent anyone from trying to get around the country’s strict gambling rules.
