South Korean Police Shut Gambling Network with 4.77 Trillion Won in Bets

SEOUL: South Korean police have shut 10 sites and arrested two suspects in an illegal gambling operation that allegedly handled 4.77 trillion won in bets. Investigators say the network used illegal sexual content and gambling promotion sites to funnel users toward its casino platforms.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Cyber Investigation Unit said on Aug. 12 that two men, aged 40 and 36, had been referred to prosecutors on charges including operating a gambling venue and violations of laws covering youth protection, sexual violence and online communications.

Police Trace 4.77 Trillion Won in Betting Activity

Police allege the organization operated a gambling platform known as AGA Global from August 2019 until Aug. 3, 2026, using the Philippines as an overseas base. Around 10 associated websites were allegedly used to distribute illegal content, promote gambling and direct visitors toward casino sites operated by the same network.

Users were reportedly redirected to gambling platforms including Garden Casino and Golden View Casino. Investigators estimate the sites processed approximately 4.7734 trillion won in bets over five years, while the organization generated around 47.6 billion won in illegal profit based on the difference between deposits and withdrawals. The case follows another major illegal gambling crackdown in South Korea that resulted in authorities seizing 107.2 billion won.

The promotional network allegedly included websites distributing illegally recorded sexual material and child and adolescent sexual exploitation content. Police said approximately 116,250 video files were found across the sites, which had around 2.85 million registered accounts and a cumulative 5.3 billion views.

Operation Allegedly Used Corporate-Style Structure

Investigators described the group as operating through a corporate-style hierarchy, with separate teams responsible for operations, finances and technology in South Korea and overseas. Police identified a 54-year-old former organized crime figure as the suspected overall leader of the network.

The 36-year-old suspect arrested in the case holds a doctorate in computer engineering and allegedly supervised development, maintenance and technical operations. Police say virtual servers were used in an effort to make the websites more difficult for law enforcement to trace.

The investigation began in November 2025 following a complaint from a women’s organization. South Korean authorities subsequently worked with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and Europol while tracking suspects who were operating from the Philippines.

Police arrested the 40-year-old suspect at Incheon International Airport on Aug. 2 as he entered South Korea. The second suspect was arrested at his residence the following day, and all 10 identified websites were shut down on Aug. 4.

Police Pursue Two Suspects Overseas

The investigation remains active. Police are seeking Interpol Red Notices for the suspected 54-year-old leader and a 53-year-old manager who remain overseas, while investigators continue identifying other people allegedly involved in operating and developing the gambling sites.

The case also comes amid a wider South Korean campaign against illegal online content and digital sex crimes. The National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation formed a multi-agency task force in June with communications and family-policy authorities to identify illegal sites, investigate operators and strengthen victim protection.

Authorities are expected to announce a broader response plan later this month. Police have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and further arrests or charges could follow as international efforts continue.

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