South Korean Police Bust $3.8B Illegal Gambling Syndicate

The Criminal Investigation Unit of South Korea’s Gangwon Provincial Police Agency confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals linked to a major illegal gambling syndicate. The group is alleged to have managed more than KRW 5.3 trillion ($3.8 billion) in transactions via casino-connected online platforms based in the Philippines.

Gangwon Police Dismantle Illegal Gambling Ring Worth Billions

Police have taken seven of the 14 suspects into custody, including the alleged ringleader, identified only as Mr. A. They are facing charges of organized crime and running illegal gambling operations. Mr. A, who previously served time for comparable offenses, is reported to have coordinated the operation while in prison in 2020. Following his release, he assembled a team of developers to create an advanced network of gambling platforms.

The investigation was launched after authorities received intelligence from a previously arrested suspect. Officers traced the group’s organizational structure and financial transactions, revealing the operation’s extensive international connections. Police have frozen KRW 3.3 billion (about $22.8 million) in assets and have requested Interpol Red Notices for two members who escaped overseas.

Here’s How the Scheme Worked

Between November 2021 and March 2025, the group launched 266 websites that broadcast live casino footage from prominent international gaming providers. Each site operator reportedly paid Mr. A approximately KRW 3 million per month (around $2,000) under the pretext of management fees. To boost profits, the syndicate set up a “vendor company” in the Philippines, which directly sourced casino video feeds and digital gaming currency from overseas suppliers.

A police official stated that the agency is continuing its crackdown on transnational gambling networks, noting that additional asset seizures and arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.

It seems that South Korean police have had their hands full with gambling-related crimes in recent weeks, as this current case is one of a series that have happened this month and last. In fact, just a few days ago, police in the East Asian country busted an illegal online gambling ring that operated on Jeju Island, targeted students and sailors, and allegedly had more than $15 million in bets going through its platform before getting dismantled.