12 arrested for operating illegal gambling site worth 60 billion won

South Korean police have apprehended 12 individuals, led by a ringleader in their 20s, for their involvement in operating a massive illegal online gambling website. The operation, which allegedly ran from November 2022 to July 2025, facilitated a range of gambling activities, including sports betting, casino games, and slot machines.

The main ringleader is accused of directly promoting the site through YouTube live broadcasts, even staging scenes of winning to attract users. The group allegedly manipulated view counts to ensure their promotional videos appeared prominently in recommendations, further driving membership. They organized their criminal enterprise by dividing roles for site operation, member management, customer service, promotion, and money laundering, frequently moving their base of operations between rented officetels in Ulsan and Incheon to evade detection.

Authorities have issued an Interpol Red Notice for five fugitives, including a second ringleader who reportedly fled to Thailand. The police investigation, initiated in March of the previous year upon receiving intelligence, led to the seizure of evidence such as burner phones, illicit bank accounts, and computers. The total amount wagered on the gambling site is estimated at approximately 60 billion won, with the illicit profits reaching around 3 billion won. Police have applied for a pre-indictment confiscation order to recover these criminal proceeds and are committed to tracking down the remaining fugitives through international cooperation.