South Korean police have dismantled a $1.9 billion illegal gambling ring whose suspected leader was kidnapped for a $10 million ransom, only to be arrested himself after police rescued him and discovered he was wanted by Interpol.
South Korea’s North Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency announced Tuesday (Nov. 3) that 43 suspected members of the international gambling operation had been apprehended, with 18 detained.
The syndicate allegedly operated nine illegal gambling websites from bases in Malaysia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, offering sports betting, baccarat, and slots.
Investigators traced 2.668 trillion won ($1.9 billion) in gambling transactions between May 2022 and February 2026, although they believe the true figure could be much higher.
Kidnapping Victim Becomes Suspect
The Malaysian-based leader, a South Korean man in his 40s, was abducted on April 17 while traveling from Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur.
According to Malaysian police, his vehicle was intercepted by kidnappers who dragged him out, tied him up, and beat him before taking him to a property where he was held captive.
The abductors, three fellow South Koreans, demanded $10 million in cryptocurrency for his release.
An associate transferred $3 million before Malaysian police located the captive at a property in Melaka four days later.
Officers rescued the man and arrested his kidnappers, recovering evidence including restraints, tape, and an imitation firearm.
Checks with the South Korean embassy revealed the victim’s passport had been canceled, and he was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for suspected illegal gambling activities.
The man remains in Malaysian custody pending repatriation.
International Gambling Empire
South Korean investigators say the organization had operated since 2016, with leaders in three countries overseeing specialist teams responsible for payments, customer service, and software development.
The syndicate recruited university professors and former corporate employees, used English aliases, and held weekly performance meetings.
Its leaders reportedly flaunted their wealth, with the UAE-based boss chartering a private jet to take associates to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, where they watched matches from a luxury suite.
Police said the group also developed gambling software for other operators and pursued casino ventures in the Philippines.
Investigators identified 163.7 billion won in suspected criminal proceeds and have sought to freeze assets for possible confiscation.
Source link
