Busan police dismantle organized crime ring selling fake liquor

Police in Busan have dismantled a large-scale criminal organization that operated across five entertainment venues in the Seomyeon district, defrauding an estimated 1,000 victims through the sale of counterfeit liquor. The syndicate, led by a man in his 30s, allegedly generated approximately 3.5 billion won (roughly $2.6 million USD) in fraudulent sales between April 2022 and September 2024.

The group’s method involved serving customers fake liquor made by mixing leftover spirits with tea or other substances. Once customers became intoxicated or unconscious, members used stolen phone patterns or credit card information to transfer inflated amounts of money. To facilitate this, staff were reportedly instructed to increase room temperatures to induce drowsiness.

The criminal enterprise was exposed following reports from six members who suffered severe physical abuse and confinement within the organization. Police revealed that employees who failed to meet sales quotas were subjected to harsh punishments, including being locked in saunas until fainting or being forced into freezing water.

A primary leader has been arrested, while another leader and a manager with gang affiliations have been placed on Interpol Red Notices. In addition to the fraud and organized crime charges, authorities are investigating unregistered employment agencies that supplied staff to the venues.