Police arrest 18 for operating $280 million illegal gambling site from Cambodia call center

South Korean police have apprehended 18 individuals, including members of a violent organization, for their involvement in operating a large-scale illegal online gambling website. The operation, run from a call center in Cambodia, was linked to 256 adult PC rooms across South Korea.

The suspects are accused of violating laws related to organized crime and the promotion of the game industry. They allegedly purchased operating rights for the gambling sites from Cambodian operators and managed a membership-based online gambling service, including games like Baccarat. Police estimate that the operation facilitated bets totaling approximately $280 million, from which the suspects illicitly profited around $9.3 million.

To evade law enforcement, the group employed a sophisticated operational structure with distinct roles for domestic and international leaders, settlement teams, and recruiters. They frequently moved their call center locations within Cambodia and used untraceable communication methods, including burner phones, accounts, and encrypted messaging apps, to manage their criminal proceeds. Call center managers reportedly earned monthly salaries ranging from $3,000 to $3,800, plus bonuses, based on their experience.

An investigation was launched in October of the previous year after police received a tip about illegal gambling software being installed in adult PC rooms. By tracing financial accounts and collaborating with international law enforcement, authorities identified the suspects' identities, IP addresses, and phone numbers in Cambodia. Following the arrest of the call center manager at Incheon Airport in April, police conducted searches and seizures, securing evidence that led to the subsequent arrests of the 18 individuals involved in the domestic and international network.

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Users who simply used the illegal gambling sites may also be subject to punishment, so we plan to investigate users regarding their gambling behavior and involvement and respond strictly.