Key facts
- Two individuals accused of operating illegal gambling networks have been extradited from the UAE to South Korea.
- One suspect allegedly ran an overseas gambling site valued at 4.8 trillion won ($3.14 billion) and evaded authorities for 12 years.
- This suspect is also accused of evading 66 billion won in taxes and engaging in drug and prostitution-related offenses.
- The second suspect is suspected of operating a 500 billion-won gambling site that recruited students.
- The extradition was a joint operation involving international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Two individuals accused of operating large-scale illegal online gambling networks have been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to South Korea as part of a joint government operation. Authorities announced Saturday that the suspects were repatriated via Incheon International Airport.
One of the extradited suspects is alleged to have run an overseas gambling site worth 4.8 trillion won (US$3.14 billion) from Southeast Asia. This individual reportedly evaded arrest for 12 years, moving across multiple countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The suspect is also accused of evading 66 billion won in taxes, using drugs, and engaging in prostitution-related offenses while operating the gambling network.
The second suspect is believed to have operated a separate gambling site valued at 500 billion won, which allegedly recruited middle and high school students into illegal gambling activities.
The successful extradition was attributed to extensive international cooperation and intelligence sharing, overcoming logistical challenges posed by the Middle East conflict. The suspects were flown back to South Korea on a UAE carrier.
Authorities stated their commitment to continuing efforts to track down and arrest similar cyber gambling organizations that flee overseas, emphasizing strong determination and international collaboration.