South Korean arrests for illegal online gambling surpass 5,000 in 12 months

The Korean National Police Agency have made 5,196 arrests since November 2024.

South Korea.- The National Office of Investigation under the National Police Agency has reported that arrests in connection with alleged illegal online gambling reached 5,196 from November 2024 to October this year. Some 314 people were taken into custody, and KRW123.5bn (US$83.7m) in alleged criminal proceeds were recovered.

The arrests included 1,514 people in their 20s (25.3 per cent of the total) and 1,489 in their 30s (24.9 per cent). These age groups accounted for 50.2 per cent of arrests. Some 1,366 suspects were in their 40s, 800 in their 50s, and there were 417 teenagers and 306 aged 60 or older. The police said online access plays a role as younger adults are more active on digital platforms.

Over the course of the 12 months, the National Police Agency identified 7,153 juveniles allegedly involved in gambling. For minor offences, juvenile offenders are referred to guidance review committees at police stations. Depending on the severity of the offence, they may receive a warning, summary judgment or be referred for prosecution. With their consent and that of parents, they are also connected to professional counselling agencies such as the Korea Center on Gambling Problems for treatment and counselling.

“Cyber gambling is a representative addictive crime, and its damage is spreading even to juveniles. As these crimes are evolving into organised and transnational offences, we will do our best to eradicate them,” the National Police Agency stated.

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The Korean National Police Agency have made 5,196 arrests since November 2024. South Korea.- The National Office of Investigation under the National Police Agency has reported that arrests in connection…