Key Moments:
- South Korean police dismantled an illegal betting network handling over KRW 22 billion ($15.3 million) in wagers centered on Jeju Island
- Six main suspects, including the alleged ringleader, faced indictments; 39 additional participants, including minors, were arrested
- Authorities discovered predatory loans with interest rates up to 650 percent targeting high school students
Major Police Sweep Targets Illegal Online Betting
A vast illicit gambling network allegedly operated from covert PC cafes and villas in Jeju City has been shut down by South Korean law enforcement. The ring, accused of processing bets in excess of KRW 22 billion (approximately $15.3 million), primarily drew in young individuals and sailors, exposing vulnerable segments of the population.
Arrests and Investigation Findings
Following extensive investigations, Jeju Provincial Police arrested 21 individuals directly tied to the illegal operation. Authorities identified a 40-year-old man as the chief orchestrator. Of the group, six individuals – including the leader – faced indictments and were transferred to prosecutors, while the other 15 were released. Another 39 suspects, including ordinary gamblers and minors, were apprehended during the crackdown.
Authorities revealed that, from October 2024 through July 2025, illicit gambling venues were set up in two PC cafes and a villa, located dangerously close to local schools in Jeju City.
Predatory Lending Schemes Targeting Youths
In addition to unauthorized gambling operations, the network reportedly engaged in offering high-interest loans to high schoolers, with rates reaching 650 percent. Authorities documented at least one case where a teenager took out a KRW 11 million ($7,600) loan under these harsh terms to support gambling activity.
Financial Impact and Seizures
Investigators estimate that three primary locations saw combined bets of KRW 9.2 billion ($6.4 million). During raids, police confiscated proceeds of KRW 250 million ($174,000), believed to be tied to illegal activities.
| Financial Metric | Value (KRW) | Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bets via Network | 22,000,000,000 | 15,300,000 |
| Bets at 3 Key Venues | 9,200,000,000 | 6,400,000 |
| Proceeds Seized | 250,000,000 | 174,000 |
Additional Connected Betting Rings Revealed
Authorities uncovered further gambling activity across Jeju, including a group that operated near Hallim Port from June 2024 through February 2025, focusing on sailors. Others leveraged PC cafes and villas as fronts and accepted luxury handbags as collateral for high-interest loans. In Seogwipo City, a related network reportedly ran similar operations for eight months beginning in mid-2023.
Suspected Overseas Mastermind
According to investigators, the primary leader of this sophisticated cyber gambling operation is believed to be based in Vietnam or another Southeast Asian nation, with ties to high-stakes players within South Korea. Inquiries into the syndicate’s cross-border financial connections are ongoing.
Ongoing Enforcement and Public Warning
A Jeju police spokesperson reaffirmed: “We will continue our crackdown on illegal gambling operations and focus on protecting young people from exposure.” Authorities have made clear their resolve to target not only operators but also individuals who facilitate illicit financial flows.
Officials also cautioned against providing bank accounts or conducting transactions on behalf of others, noting that these actions could support money laundering and related crimes. The public was urged to remain alert and to assist in countering economic offenses linked to unauthorized gambling.
This crackdown underscores South Korea’s firm approach to combating illegal gambling and its commitment to protecting at-risk communities, particularly youths.
- Author
Daniel Williams
