South Korea Busts $43M Illegal Gambling Ring, 12 Arrested

South Korean authorities have made significant strides in dismantling an illegal gambling ring that processed an astonishing $43.4 million in wagers. The operation, which spanned from November 2022 to July 2025, involved 12 suspects who have been arrested and referred to prosecution.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

The Ulsan police executed an operation against illegal gambling after more than a year of investigative actions. The criminal syndicate earned approximately $2.2 million from the illegal gambling activities. Five suspects remain at large and are believed to have fled to Thailand. Law enforcement has secured a Red Notice from Interpol for their arrest, indicating a preparedness to cooperate with international agencies to bring these suspects to justice.

The illegal gambling syndicate operated between November 2022 and July 2025. The criminal group covered their tracks by using pre-paid phones and mule bank accounts. All suspects are in their 20s and 30s, police said.