Gang Sent to Prosecution for Spiking Drinks with Drugs to Win Golf Bets

A group that manipulated screen golf displays and secretly added psychotropic drugs to their opponents' drinks in order to win "golf bets" has been handed over to the prosecution.

A group that rigged an intra-game golf match is manipulating the screen golf display (left) and secretly adding psychotropic drugs to the opponent’s drink. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

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The Detective Mobile Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Major Crime Squad announced on March 12, 2026, that two men in their 50s, including the main perpetrator identified as Mr. A, were arrested and referred to the prosecution on charges of fraud and violations of the Narcotics Control Act. Seven accomplices were referred without detention on the same charges.

According to the police, from December of last year for about three months, Mr. A and his associates are accused of defrauding approximately 74 million won over 10 golf betting matches with victims at screen golf venues in the Seoul metropolitan area.

The group targeted victims who appeared to be financially well-off by approaching them at golf clubs or regular golf venues, building rapport, and then naturally suggesting a betting game. While three to four accomplices participated in the game, they distracted the victim and secretly spiked the victim’s drink with psychotropic drugs to impair concentration, or switched the drink with one containing such drugs.

They also installed a receiver in the screen golf computer and, at the moment when the victim turned their head just before making a shot, remotely manipulated the direction of the screen using a remote control, causing the ball to go in an unintended direction and thus rigging the outcome.

The police investigation revealed that Mr. A’s group had obtained the psychotropic drugs used in their crimes by prescription, citing insomnia and other reasons. Notably, the two individuals who were arrested had previously been convicted of similar offenses.

The police are investigating further, considering the possibility that there may be additional victims.

A police official stated, "The use of psychotropic drugs as tools in these crimes poses a serious threat to the health and lives of victims. We plan to continue crackdowns on similar offenses."

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