Gang Running Illegal Gambling Site Apprehended in UAE
Authorities in Dubai have arrested a group of 26 individuals accused of operating an illegal online gambling platform.
The arrests were conducted by a specialized crime investigation unit. At the time of the crackdown, the illicit gambling site was valued at over KRW 120 billion (approximately $81 billion).
The suspects face charges including organizing and participating in a criminal organization as well as facilitating illegal gambling activities.
Among those detained, ten individuals remain in custody. The alleged leader of the operation is a 32-year-old man.
Following the arrests, officials reported the seizure of about KRW 6.086 billion in criminal proceeds linked to the main perpetrators and their key associates.
Investigation and Arrest
The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation played a crucial role by providing information that led to identifying the illegal gambling network.
This intel triggered a detailed investigation lasting nearly 10 months, culminating in the apprehension of the suspects behind the gambling operation.
Setting Up the Operation
In 2021, the group established a shell company in Dubai, which they used to run two unlawful gambling websites over a four-year period.
They reportedly selected the United Arab Emirates as their base due to the challenges law enforcement agencies from the UAE and South Korea face when cooperating across borders.
Dubai’s status as a global financial center also provided an ideal environment to facilitate money laundering activities.
Organizational Structure
The criminal network operated with a strict hierarchy, granting higher-ranking members authority over those below them.
One method of control involved confiscating the passports of lower-ranked members, effectively preventing them from leaving South Korea and ensuring their continued involvement.
Communication within the group was conducted via Telegram, chosen for its secure messaging features that protected their conversations from interception.
Marketing and Recruitment
The organization leveraged various social media platforms, including YouTube, to promote their gambling sites and broaden their reach.
They attracted new recruits by promising high financial returns and subsequently arranged for these individuals to travel to Dubai, obtaining work visas and being registered as employees of UAE-based companies.
