Seoul: Two suspects accused of running large-scale illegal online gambling networks have been extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to South Korea in a joint international operation, authorities said Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, one suspect allegedly operated an overseas gambling site worth 4.8 trillion won (US$3.14 billion) based in Southeast Asia. This individual reportedly laundered criminal proceeds while evading arrest for 12 years across multiple countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The suspect also faces accusations of evading 66 billion won in taxes, providing and using drugs, and engaging in prostitution-related offenses.
Another suspect is under suspicion of operating a separate 500 billion-won gambling site that recruited middle and high school students into illegal gambling activities. These operations highlight a concerning trend of targeting vulnerable populations for illicit activities.
The two suspects were apprehended in the UAE with the cooperation of UAE authorities and were repatriated to South Korea via Incheon International Airport. The successful extradition reflects the effectiveness of international collaboration in combating transnational crime.
The task force emphasized that the extradition was achieved through extensive international cooperation and intelligence sharing, even in the face of logistical challenges in air transport amid the Middle East conflict. The suspects were ultimately flown back on a UAE carrier.
"We will continue to track down and arrest similar cyber gambling organizations that flee overseas through strong determination and international cooperation," the task force stated, underscoring their commitment to addressing cybercrime and illegal gambling operations.