South Korean Police Apprehend 87 in $2 Billion Gambling Probe

Police in South Korea’s North Chungcheong province have apprehended 87 people in an investigation into an alleged international online gambling network operating from Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

The total includes suspected organisers, payment-account suppliers, a money-laundering intermediary and 44 high-stakes or habitual gamblers. Eighteen people were placed in detention, distinguishing those held in custody from the wider group investigated. 

Investigators traced KRW2.668 trillion, approximately $2 billion, in gambling-related transactions between May 2022 and February 2026. Police said the network had operated since 2016, meaning its full financial scale could exceed the period examined. 

Network Recruited Specialist Staff

According to police, the organisation maintained separate teams for deposits and withdrawals, customer service and software development.

Recruiters allegedly brought in specialist personnel, including university professors, employees of major corporations and former staff of overseas social media companies. Members used English aliases and held weekly performance meetings.

Investigators also identified a company established in South Korea to develop gambling game engines. The technology was allegedly used internally and sold to other illegal operators, extending the network’s activities beyond running its own betting and casino platforms. 

Overseas Arrests and Asset Recovery

International cooperation led to the apprehension of ten suspects in Malaysia and the UAE, with eight returned to South Korea. Police said the overseas leaders remained detained locally while repatriation procedures continued. A further 21 suspects in Malaysia remained wanted.

Police estimated alleged criminal proceeds at KRW163.7 billion, approximately $123 million. They sought preservation orders covering KRW61.9 billion, with courts approving KRW8.1 billion, approximately $6.1 million.

Those orders secure assets for potential recovery rather than establish a final confiscation. Police also reported arranging the blocking of nine gambling websites.