South Korean Police Shut Down Gang That Manipulated Bets on Illegal Gambling Sites

South Korean police have arrested 23 people on charges of manipulating bets worth 2.1 trillion won ($1.4 billion) on illegal gambling websites.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency’s Mobile Criminal Investigation Unit has charged the suspects with violating the Telecommunications Business Act, the South Korean media outlet Newsis reported.

Police detained seven individuals, with the rest released on bail. One suspect remains at large, police said. They believe this person has fled overseas, and detectives have asked Interpol for assistance in issuing a red notice warrant.

Officers say 13 of the arrestees worked at special “gambling tables,” placing thousands of bets per day on multiple computer terminals. The other 10 performed technical roles, police said.

Police said a ringleader, aged in their 40s, masterminded the operation, which launched in April 2022. Officers said the gang operated out of eight locations in the Haeundae District of the city of Busan.

Their scheme helped the suspects raise approximately 3.6 billion won ($2.5 million) in illicit profits, police explained. The group allegedly used sophisticated tactics to manipulate betting odds in its favor, ensuring bets were successful, no matter what the outcome.

Officers said the group also colluded with gambling site operators. This allegedly helped them ensure the group’s bets always made a profit, no matter how small.

South Korean Police: Manhunt Underway

Busan police said the unnamed mastermind “orchestrated the entire scheme,” providing subordinates with gambling website memberships, betting funds, office rentals, and prepaid SIM cards opened in other people’s names.

The mastermind also provided group members with VIP e-pay wallets, allowing them to make deposits and withdrawals with ease.

Officers say the group of arrestees includes at least one former professional athlete. This unnamed individual represented South Korea at the national level, police explained.

Police said the group attempted to evade arrest by “moving their offices around every few months.” And the group’s members allegedly worked in shifts, ensuring that the gambling ring operated “24 hours a day.”

Search for Gang’s Money Continues

A police official said detectives have confiscated 270 million won ($184,000) in cash from the ringleader. The spokesperson said investigators “are tracking additional hidden funds.”

“We will also continue our investigation into the gambling website operation organization that is linked to this gang,” the spokesperson added.

Earlier this month, police in South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province revealed that they helped 191 young gambling addicts, mainly teenagers, receive counseling last year.

Officers in the province have teamed up with lawyers to provide free legal advice and treatment programs for young gambling addicts.