South Korea busts illegal gambling ring worth $100m

• Police in South Korea investigated an illegal gambling ring for nearly a year before taking it down
• Ring members operating out of Dubai were in charge of two illegal gambling websites, worth an estimated $100m
• The criminal organization had an established hierarchy

A large-scale illegal gambling operation in Dubai, worth nearly $100m, was taken down by law enforcement in South Korea.

More than two dozen people, suspected of being involved in the comprehensive criminal network, were arrested.

Billions won in ill-gained funds secured by law enforcement

As announced in a report Monday by the local media outlet, The Chosun Daily, the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency's Mobile Criminal Investigation Unit arrested a total of 26 individuals, suspected of being involved in illegal gambling organization.

Among the suspects who were recently arrested is "A", a 32-year-old man who, according to the authorities, was the ringleader.

The arrests follow a tip about gambling-related crimes from the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation.

After the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency received the tip, they investigated the illegal gambling ring for 10 months before taking it down.

A police official commenting on the case said: "We have secured 6.086bn won in proceeds from crimes committed by the head and other key executives before indictment."

The same official added: "We plan to continue cracking down on gambling crimes."

Charges are filed against the suspects

Operating for approximately four years, starting from 2021, the two illegal gambling websites were worth the mind-blowing 120bn won, or approximately $100m.

What's known so far is that culprits likely picked Dubai as their headquarters, considering the country lacks effective money laundering regulations and has limitations for international judicial cooperation.

The comprehensive illegal gambling ring included a strict hierarchy that involved employees, supervisors and higher-level workers.

Workers at the criminal organization received help for work visas in Dubai and were registered as employees at a local organization.

Ensuring that senior-level employees won't flee the country, the illegal gambling ring kept their passports.

Also avoiding detection, the criminal group communicated primarily through Telegram.

On the other hand, the promotion of the two illegal gambling websites was completed via social media, including YouTube, the recently released report suggests.

It is unclear whether or not the 26 suspects represent the whole group of people involved in the illicit activity.

The suspects are now facing charges for organizing and operating a criminal organization, as well as gambling-related charges.

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