Three elderly South Korean gamblers allegedly spiked a golf opponent’s coffee with sleeping pills to sabotage his performance. The group then collected 75 million won (about $52,000) after he lost the match, police said Sunday (Nov. 1).
The suspects, aged in their 60s and 70s, allegedly spent months cultivating the victim’s trust by deliberately losing earlier bets before setting up the July 30 high-stakes encounter at a golf course in Gyeonggi Province, outside Seoul.
Seoul’s Namdaemun Police Station said the trio were referred to prosecutors on Oct. 30 on suspicion of fraud and violating South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act. One man in his 60s remains in custody, while the other two were referred without detention.
Coffee Spiked While Golfer Was Away
According to investigators, the suspects struck before the game as their target briefly went to the restroom. With one member watching the entrance, another opened a disposable coffee cup and poured in a drug that police said had been prepared in advance.
The target drank the coffee and proceeded to play two rounds, totaling 36 holes, despite suffering impaired motor skills and judgment, investigators said. MBC television reported that the medication contained a sleeping agent capable of causing short-term memory loss.
When the golf ended, the three allegedly told the player he had lost the wager and demanded payment at a restaurant. He transferred 75 million won to an account they controlled, police said.
MBC reported Monday (Nov. 2) that the victim later grew suspicious and contacted police.
Evidence Captured on Camera
Authorities said security footage at the golf course showed the suspects putting something in the coffee, watching the doorway, and handing the drink to their opponent.
Tests of the victim’s urine and hair subsequently detected psychotropic substances. Investigators also checked prescription records and consulted medical specialists to establish that the drugs had not been legitimately prescribed to him.
Officers allege each conspirator had a specific role in the operation. One recruited the victim and obtained the drugs, another spiked the coffee and handled the money, while the third served as a lookout.
The group first approached the golfer in May, MBC reported. They played several rounds with him, intentionally allowing him to win some matches while gradually increasing the stakes.
Investigators also allege that the man who prepared the drugged coffee received and laundered the proceeds before distributing the money among the conspirators.
“This case shows that drug-related crime has penetrated the everyday spaces where citizens go to enjoy their leisure time,” a police official said, as translated by The Korea Herald. “We will respond sternly to drug crimes that disrupt ordinary life and mobilize all investigative resources to eradicate related offenses.”
Neither the golf course nor the individuals involved have been publicly identified.
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