South Korean baseball star indicted on internet gambling charges

South Korean baseball star pitcher An Ji-man has been indicted on charges of engaging in illegal online gambling following allegations by prosecutors that he gave 160 million won (US$146,000) to help a friend open an unidentified illegal gambling website.

Reporting on the indictment, the Yonhap news agency notes that the defendant has denied the charges, claiming that he lent the money to a friend on the understanding that it was to be used to open a restaurant.

The last few months have been difficult for An Ji-man since the allegations surfaced; in July the Lions asked the Korean Baseball Organization to authorise the termination of An’s contract, and the KBO then temporarily suspended him from baseball activities, saying it would take additional steps depending on court outcomes.

Yonhap also reports that earlier this year the pitcher faced a separate investigation on illegal overseas gambling charges, which have been suspended since difficulties were encountered in adducing evidence from gambling site operators whose whereabouts have been difficult to establish. These individuals have been placed on a ‘persons of interest’ list by prosecutors.

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