South Korean police dismantle 60 billion won illegal gambling syndicate

South Korean police have dismantled an illegal online gambling syndicate that operated between November 2022 and July 2025. The group managed approximately 60 billion won in gambling funds and illicitly obtained 3 billion won in profits.

To attract members, the syndicate used YouTube live broadcasts featuring staged high-win scenarios. They also utilized custom-developed traffic manipulation programs to inflate view counts and real-time viewer numbers, ensuring their promotional videos appeared at the top of YouTube search results. The organization operated through a decentralized structure with specialized roles for site management, member recruitment, customer service, and money laundering.

The Ulsan Metropolitan Police Cyber Investigation Unit has arrested 12 members, including a domestic leader in his 20s. Five remaining members located in Thailand are currently subject to Interpol Red Notices. Authorities have seized evidence including mobile phones, bank accounts, and computers, and have moved to freeze approximately 3 billion won in criminal proceeds.