The Cyber Investigation Department of the Southern Gyeonggi Provincial Police in South Korea recently cracked a major online gambling case, with 19 suspects involved in operating illegal gambling websites being transferred to the prosecution.
This criminal group illegally profited approximately 11 million US dollars through online gambling platforms and offline physical casinos.
Organizational Structure of the Criminal Group
According to the police, the criminal group was led by a man in his fifties, with core members including:
3 illegal casino operators
16 online casino operators, physical casino managers, and financial managers
The criminal group has been operating illegal gambling websites since June 2022, offering games like slot machines and baccarat, until it was investigated by the police in July 2023. The website attracted about 1,300 gamblers in total.
Crime Model and Scope of Activities
The group adopted an "online and offline combined" operation model:
First, they developed illegal gambling websites
As the website's popularity grew, they opened themed physical casinos in nine regions across the country
The crime bases were spread across Paju City and Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi-do, as well as Incheon, South Chungcheong Province, and Gangwon Province
The police investigation revealed that the mastermind imposed strict management on his subordinates:
He often insulted and threatened casino managers, keeping most of the profits for himself, and physically abused the managers of poorly managed casinos.
The criminal proceeds were mainly used for reinvesting in new gambling projects and the mastermind's personal expenses.
The police are currently recovering the criminal proceeds, but due to the complex flow of funds, the specific amount involved is still being calculated. The police also warned that according to South Korean law, users of illegal gambling websites will also face criminal penalties.
Apart from the Gangwon Province casino and the suburban Seoul racecourse, all other forms of gambling are illegal, yet illegal gambling websites and underground casinos continue to emerge.
Recently, well-known comedian Lee Jin-ho was indicted for gambling, with the case also involving celebrities like Jimin from BTS.
This case highlights the severity of the illegal gambling issue in South Korea. The police stated that they will continue to intensify efforts to curb the spread of online gambling crimes.
