26 arrested in South Korea for running gambling den in rented house

Authorities in Changwon, South Korea, have busted a large-scale gambling operation run out of a rented house, arresting 26 people on charges related to illegal gambling. The arrests were made on August 12th after police received a tip-off about the illicit activity.

Officers from the Changwon Seobu Police Station raided a residence in Dong-eup, Uichang-gu, where they apprehended the suspects in the act of gambling with 화투 (Hwatu) cards. During the raid, police seized 22.29 million won in betting money. The suspects primarily consisted of individuals in their 50s to 70s, with 16 women and 10 men among those arrested.

Investigators identified a 50-year-old suspect, identified only as Mr. A, as the operator of the gambling den. He allegedly rented the house in July and ran the operation by charging a 10% commission from the winners of each game. Police have vowed to maintain a strict stance against illegal gambling activities that infiltrate residential areas, citing their detrimental impact on social order and community safety.

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We will respond strictly to illegal gambling activities that infiltrate residential areas, as they harm sound social order and threaten community safety.