South Korean police in the city of Jeju have dismantled an organized crime network running illegal online gambling operations aimed at teenagers and seafarers.
According to the Jeju Provincial Police Agency, the operations had generated more than KRW22 billion in wagers. Police arrested 21 people, including a man in his 40s suspected of leading the operation.
Between October 2024 and July 2025, the ringleader and 12 associates reportedly used two PC bangs (internet cafés) and a villa in Jeju City to run online gambling sites and lend money to local high school students at interest rates up to 650%.
Alongside the ringleader, six suspects were arrested and handed over to prosecutors, while 15 others were referred without detention.
