South Korea targets illegal gambling, uncovering a $33.6 million criminal network.

The Chosun Daily, a local media source, shed light on a significant law enforcement operation. This extensive effort by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Cyber Investigation Unit began with an investigation launched last November, following a complaint from a women's organization likely concerning the sexual exploitation of young women. Throughout the investigation, the Cyber Investigation Unit collaborated with international bodies such as Europol and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. This led to the identification of two suspects: Mr. A, 40, and Mr. B, 36, who are believed to have played key roles in an illegal gambling and sexual exploitation network. Earlier this month, Mr. A was apprehended at Incheon Airport while attempting to enter South Korea. Following this, Mr. B was arrested the next day in a private residence. Law enforcement further advanced their efforts by issuing Interpol Red Notices for Mr. C, 54, considered the suspected ringleader, and Mr. D, 53, allegedly an administrator for the criminal group. Both Mr. C and Mr. D are assumed to be overseas, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to capture and prosecute them. Since its inception in August 2019, the illegal gambling operation generated an astounding 4.7734 trillion Korean won ($3.37 billion), with the crime syndicate's illegal activities earning them 47.6 billion won, or $33.6 million.

The investigation into the criminal organization revealed that it functioned much like a corporate business. Mr. C, a former deputy leader of another criminal group, is suspected to be the mastermind behind this illegal gambling ring. The organization had a well-defined structure, with each member having specific roles. Mr. A and Mr. B were responsible for managing the illegal gambling websites and those promoting gambling and distributing illegal film content. The group attracted users to their gambling sites by using secondary websites that featured illegal adult content, some of which disturbingly included child sexual exploitation footage. Mr. A and Mr. B are now facing numerous charges for their alleged roles. During the investigation, police uncovered more than 116,000 video files. The illegal websites had about 2.85 million registered accounts and accumulated 5.3 billion views.