Illegal Gambling Site Based in Cambodia Worth 44 Billion Won ... Organization Members Apprehended Through International Cooperation

Daegu Police Agency Apprehends 10 Members of Gambling Operation
Seven Detained, Fugitives Pursued Until the End

The Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the Daegu Police Agency announced on September 11 that it had apprehended 10 members of an organization that operated an illegal private gambling website based in Cambodia, involving funds of approximately 44 billion won. Of those arrested, seven have been taken into custody. Working in cooperation with Interpol, the police also succeeded in apprehending organization members who had fled overseas during their entry into Korea.

Daegu Police Agency Logo. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

According to the police, starting in February 2022, the suspects set up an office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and launched illegal sports toto and baccarat websites. Through Google and advertising agencies, they recruited 11,144 members and are accused of running a large-scale illegal gambling operation through which about 44 billion won in funds circulated.

The organization members systematically divided roles such as managing deposits and withdrawals, overseeing members, and monitoring employees, frequently entering and exiting the country using travel visas to continue their criminal activities in an organized manner.

◆ Cash Seizure and Asset Preservation ... "Thorough Recovery of Criminal Proceeds"

The police began their investigation in November 2023 after monitoring the gambling site, and from July last year, they sequentially apprehended five organization members and 174 gamblers. They seized 270 million won in cash and implemented asset preservation measures for an additional 120 million won prior to indictment.

In particular, for four members who fled to Cambodia, the police requested Interpol red notices and passport invalidation, and through real-time cooperation, succeeded in arresting all of them upon their entry at Incheon International Airport. Two of these individuals have been detained.

A Daegu Police Agency official stated, "Illegal gambling is a serious crime that not only leads to personal financial ruin but also causes social isolation and hinders youth development. We will continue to pursue investigations to the end, including recovery of criminal proceeds and apprehension of fugitives through international cooperation."

This case is significant not only for uncovering an online illegal gambling site but also for apprehending an overseas-based organization through international cooperation. Attention is focused on whether the police's swift investigation and determination to recover criminal proceeds will lead to the eradication of illegal gambling.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.