Korean police bust online gambling ring

Police based at the Seoul Geumcheon Police Station held a press conference Thursday to detail the successful break-up of an online gambling ring and the arrest of 10 individuals, including the 29-year-old ring leader, whose name was given only as Lee.

The ring generated wagers of around 200 billion won (US$180 million) using servers based in China and Thailand, the police revealed, saying that the ring-leader enjoyed a high lifestyle with supercars and expensive addresses, but also used the rewards to buy drugs, including philopon, ecstasy and marijuana.

The publication Korea Times said that police allegations are that Lee recruited his subordinates at clubs and bars in the popular night spot of Gangnam district in southern Seoul. He organised the group and assigned roles to each member. While each manager got 3 million won ($2,600) to 10 million won salary a month, Lee took most of the profit, police said.

He owned three supercars, including a Porsche and a Ferrari, and a seven-floor motel in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Police are searching for Lee’s other properties and assets in Macau, China.