KRW 44bn gambling ring operating from Cambodia dismantled
Ten arrested in transnational crackdown on illegal betting syndicate.
Key points:
– Group operated under tourist visas to avoid detection
– KRW 270m (US$193,000) in proceeds seized
– Interpol assistance sought for overseas suspects
South Korean police have arrested ten individuals linked to an illegal online gambling operation with transactions amounting to KRW 44bn, as reported by The Chosun Daily. The network had been operating from Cambodia to avoid local enforcement.
The Daegu National Police Agency’s Cybercrime Investigation Team confirmed the arrests on 10 September. Seven suspects, including the alleged ringleader identified only as “A” in his 30s, have been formally detained. The group is accused of breaching the National Sports Promotion Act.
The operation reportedly ran from February 2022 to July 2023, involving large-scale illegal betting on games such as Sports Toto and Baccarat. Over 11,000 users were recruited to the platform, which was managed through a hierarchy that included roles for deposits, withdrawals, surveillance and member management.
According to investigators, the syndicate regularly travelled in and out of Cambodia on tourist visas while coordinating the platform’s activities from a local office. The group’s operation was first detected in November 2023, following ongoing digital surveillance by authorities.
Good to know: Police have also filed non-custodial charges against 174 individuals who took part in the betting activities
By July this year, police began making arrests. Approximately KRW 270m in cash was recovered during the raids, with an additional KRW 120m frozen from suspect A’s financial accounts through a pre-indictment asset preservation order.
Officials stated that efforts will continue until 31 October, focusing on illegal operators and high-stakes gamblers. Authorities are also working with Interpol to track and apprehend suspects who have fled overseas.
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