Key Moments:
- South Korean police have arrested ten individuals tied to a KRW 44bn online gambling ring operating out of Cambodia
- The syndicate recruited over 11,000 users and officials seized KRW 270m in cash, with an additional KRW 120m frozen
- Enforcement actions continue in cooperation with Interpol, with efforts extended until 31 October
Police Arrest Ten in Multi-Billion Won Gambling Operation
Authorities in South Korea have cracked down on a vast illegal online gambling network based in Cambodia that handled KRW 44bn in transactions. The Daegu National Police Agency’s Cybercrime Investigation Team confirmed the arrests of ten individuals on 10 September, including the alleged leader of the group. Seven suspects remain in detention. The network operated between February 2022 and July 2023, attracting more than 11,000 users to platforms that provided Sports Toto and Baccarat betting services. Police confiscated KRW 270m in cash and placed an additional KRW 120m on hold in suspect bank accounts.
International Tactics Used to Operate Under the Radar
The syndicate exploited tourist visas to travel frequently between South Korea and Cambodia, evading detection by authorities. Operations were managed from a Cambodian office, with a well-established structure overseeing financial transactions, member management, and monitoring activities. The police investigation began in earnest in November 2023 as a result of digital surveillance, leading to charges under the National Sports Promotion Act for unauthorized betting and casino activities.
| Key Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Arrests | 10 |
| Users Recruited | 11,000+ |
| Transactions Processed | KRW 44bn |
| Cash Seized | KRW 270m |
| Funds Frozen | KRW 120m |
| Investigation Period | February 2022 – July 2023 |
Regional Enforcement Expands Through Global Cooperation
South Korean agencies are intensifying their efforts to disrupt gambling activities that span national borders. Officials are working alongside Interpol to locate suspects who have absconded overseas. The campaign, which continues until 31 October, targets both illegal operators and high-value gamblers utilizing offshore betting services. This enhanced enforcement comes on the heels of an earlier crackdown in June, which dismantled another gambling network valued at $384 million, reinforcing the national commitment to reform and strengthen oversight amid mounting regional competition.
Authorities Target Both Platforms and End Users
Law enforcement has filed non-custodial charges against 174 people who took part in the network’s betting activities. The operation demonstrates how illicit gambling rings attract significant user bases and handle large transaction volumes by exploiting jurisdictions with limited cooperation with South Korean regulators. Officials aim to curb demand by holding users accountable and deterring participation in unauthorized betting sites.
Challenges and Regulatory Response
The dismantling of this network highlights the challenges authorities face in regulating gambling activities under current laws. Stringent domestic restrictions have driven operators to establish bases in countries with different regulatory frameworks, complicating enforcement efforts. The combined targeting of both operators and users reflects South Korea’s broader initiative to adapt its legislative and regulatory landscape to better confront illegal gambling.
- Author
Daniel Williams
