South Korean police dismantle 23 trillion KRW gambling syndicate

The Chungnam Provincial Police Agency has dismantled a major illegal gambling supply syndicate that operated between March 2023 and July 2024. Operating primarily out of Vietnam and Cambodia, the organization created and distributed 188 gambling websites, facilitating a gambling market estimated at approximately 23 trillion KRW.

The syndicate utilized a sophisticated vertical pyramid structure consisting of a “vendor company,” a “solution company,” site operators, and recruiters. The vendor company secured contracts with overseas game providers to supply casino videos and game money, which was then sold to solution companies. These solution companies, which recruited IT experts to develop proprietary gambling site programs, distributed the sites to various operators.

Police have apprehended 72 to 77 individuals, with 19 to 21 people currently in custody. Authorities have issued Interpol Red Notices for 12 suspects who fled abroad. The investigation resulted in the shutdown of all 188 gambling sites and the blocking of 408 related URLs. Additionally, police have applied for the seizure of approximately 9.6 billion KRW in criminal proceeds to ensure recovery through the National Tax Service.