Illegal Gambling Ring Busted in South Korea, Linked to Asian Games Medalist and Organized Crime
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A sophisticated illegal gambling operation involving an Asian Games medalist and members of organized crime has been dismantled by authorities in Busan, South Korea. The ring allegedly generated $3.6 million in illicit profits through a network of officetels and advanced betting techniques.
The Busan Police Agency’s criminal task force announced the arrests of seven individuals, including the operation’s general manager, identified as Mr. A, in his 40s, on Thursday, February 22nd. Sixteen additional individuals, including a former national team player and Asian Games medalist in their 40s, were booked without detention.
Elaborate Network of Officetels and Technology
From April 2022 to September of last year, the group operated the illegal gambling site from multiple officetels – hybrid office-hotel spaces – in the Haeundae-gu district of Busan. Authorities report the operation utilized a “two-way betting” system, a method allowing gamblers to place bets on both sides of an outcome, guaranteeing a profit regardless of the result. To evade detection, the organization reportedly rotated between eight different officetels, utilizing approximately 20 laptops and 45 “Daepo phones” – burner phones – to access the gambling websites.
“This is a case where a gangster secured funds for the organization through illegal gambling, and even an Asian Games medalist participated in the crime,” a senior official stated.
Profit Sharing and Roles Within the Organization
The operation’s structure involved a clear division of labor. Mr. A was responsible for member recruitment and fundraising. Two individuals with ties to organized crime managed office operations and personnel. The Asian Games medalist allegedly employed an automated betting program, known as a “macro,” to place bets. Participants colluded with website operators, receiving approximately 1.2% of the dividends.
Police have seized 270 million won (approximately $210,000 USD) from Mr. A as pre-indictment collection and are actively tracing additional hidden funds.
International Pursuit of Key Figure
Authorities have requested an Interpol red notice for another key leader, identified as C, in his 40s, who has fled to the Philippines. The investigation remains ongoing, with a focus on identifying and dismantling the broader organization connected to the illegal gambling website.
“We will also continue the investigation into the organization that runs the gambling website linked to them,” the official added.
This case highlights the increasing sophistication of illegal gambling operations and the lengths to which criminal organizations will go to launder money and exploit high-profile individuals.
