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Korean Cops Dismantle Massive Illegal Horse Betting Ring

A massive illegal horse betting ring has been dismantled in Korea, with 29 arrests and over 140 members charged. The gang's sophisticated tactics and influencer marketing attracted thousands of bettors.

, and Administrator

2025 October 2 . 10:49 AM

1 min read

In this image a race is going on. There are many people riding horse. In the background there are... — In this image a race is going on. There are many people riding horse. In the background there are trees, wall, screen, flags. Here there is grass on the ground. The sky is clear.

Korean Cops Dismantle Massive Illegal Horse Betting Ring

Korean authorities have dismantled an extensive illegal horse betting operation, arresting 29 people and charging over 140 members. The gang, which operated from December 2022 to November 2024, generated a staggering ₩170bn ($121m) through a pirated live streaming service.

The gang employed sophisticated tactics to evade law enforcement. They frequently switched burner phones and opened 'front accounts' under false names. To manage gambling funds, they partnered with another crime organization, paying commissions ranging from 0.3 to 1 percent. An intelligence report sparked a joint SMPA-KRA investigation in June 2024, leading to the arrests.

The illegal site attracted bettors through text ads and referrals from a YouTube influencer with around 10,000 followers. Bets ranged from ₩5m ($3,542) to ₩214m ($151,622). Authorities warn that all online horse racing websites other than the official KRA service are illegal, and users may face prosecution.

The gang is believed to have relocated to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City two years ago to avoid domestic crackdowns. Despite this, Korean police successfully infiltrated and dismantled the operation, sending a strong message against illegal gambling activities.