South Korean authorities have repatriated a suspected senior member of an illegal gambling network from the United Arab Emirates. The arrests are linked to an operation valued at KRW2.6trn.
The Transnational Crime Special Response Task Force, which includes the National Police Agency and National Intelligence Service, worked with UAE authorities to arrest two alleged masterminds identified as A and B.
B, described as the operation's second-in-command, arrived at Incheon International Airport on October 14. Authorities are also preparing to repatriate A following discussions with UAE officials.
The pair allegedly operated illegal gambling sites from the Philippines, Malaysia and other locations while laundering criminal proceeds.
After leaving South Korea in 2016, they are accused of using third-country passports and moving between countries to conceal their identities. Investigators said lower-level members remained in Southeast Asia while the two eventually relocated to the UAE.
The operation included an illegal sports betting site known as BetEast, which was promoted through overseas football sponsorships and stadium advertising.
Authorities also repatriated a developer, identified as C, in connection with a separate cyber gambling organisation valued at KRW500bn.
C allegedly developed and operated gambling software for the network. The organisation's suspected leader was previously arrested in the UAE in July.
Investigators found that the group had also targeted minors, including middle school students who were drawn into illegal gambling activities.
The task force said authorities intend to continue pursuing cyber gambling organisations operating overseas, with enforcement extending beyond site operators to associated money-laundering networks.
The suspects allegedly operated gambling sites from several countries in Southeast Asia
