South Korean Police Disrupt a Deceptive $850,000 Golfers' Casino Venture

In a shocking turn of events, South Korea's Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency (KNPA) has taken down a sophisticated crime ring that lured wealthy individuals to Thailand and Cambodia under the guise of exclusive golf trips. The scam, which began in November 2022, was orchestrated by a mastermind known as “Mr. A” and his accomplices.

The crime ring approached potential victims at golf driving ranges, offering them a chance to win free trips to Thailand or Cambodia for landing a hole-in-one. Once in these countries, victims were subjected to two key extortion tactics.

In Thailand, victims were pressured into sexual acts with sex workers. The gang later falsely claimed these women were minors, demanding large sums to cover up alleged police investigations. In Cambodia, victims were encouraged to gamble at casinos rigged by the gang and corrupt casino staff, leading to substantial financial losses. One victim even faced a staged fake kidnapping to extort nearly ₩680 million (about $490,000).

The gang, which extorted approximately ₩1.19 billion (around $850,000) from six known victims, had a well-organised structure with specific roles such as ringleader, recruiter, and shill. The KNPA has arrested 12 members of the gang, including the 60-year-old mastermind, Mr. A.

Authorities are seeking to extradite another key suspect who was overseeing operations in Thailand. The crime ring's activities have been reported by Korea JoongAng Daily. The KNPA is currently investigating additional schemes by the crime ring.

The victims were often caught unaware, causing them to hesitate to report incidents out of fear of being considered accomplices. However, the KNPA encourages anyone who may have been a victim or has information about the crime ring to come forward.

[1] Korea JoongAng Daily, "South Korean Crime Ring Lures Victims with Golf Trips, Extorts Millions," [date], URL [2] Yonhap News Agency, "Police Arrest 12 Members of South Korean Crime Ring Operating in Thailand and Cambodia," [date], URL