South Korean Police Dismantle KRW 44bn Gambling Syndicate Operating from Cambodia

The syndicate, which was based in Cambodia, allegedly sought to evade detection by exploiting tourist visas and operating outside Korean jurisdiction.

The Daegu National Police Agency’s Cybercrime Investigation Team confirmed the arrests on September 10. Among those detained are seven suspects, including the alleged ringleader, a man in his 30s identified only as “A.” All face charges of violating the National Sports Promotion Act, which regulates betting activities in South Korea.

Investigators revealed that the group ran its online operation between February 2022 and July 2023, offering large-scale betting services on games such as Sports Toto and Baccarat. Over 11,000 users are believed to have participated, generating billions of won in illicit transactions. The syndicate maintained a structured hierarchy, with members assigned to roles ranging from deposits and withdrawals to surveillance and account management.

To sustain operations, group members reportedly travelled frequently between South Korea and Cambodia under the guise of tourism. Authorities believe the syndicate coordinated activities from an office in Cambodia, further complicating law enforcement efforts. Digital monitoring first uncovered the network in November 2023, sparking an extensive investigation that culminated in this year’s arrests.

Police seized approximately KRW 270 million (US$193,000) in cash during raids and secured an additional KRW 120 million through a pre-indictment asset preservation order against the leader’s financial accounts. In addition to the core suspects, authorities filed non-custodial charges against 174 individuals who participated in the illegal betting platform.

Officials emphasized that enforcement efforts will continue until October 31, targeting both operators and high-stakes gamblers. South Korean police are also cooperating with Interpol to track suspects who fled abroad, signaling that cross-border enforcement will remain a key strategy in dismantling similar networks.

The case highlights the growing challenges posed by overseas-based gambling operations that exploit jurisdictional loopholes. Authorities warned that such platforms not only undermine legal sports betting systems but also pose risks of money laundering and organized crime involvement.