UAE Arrests South Korean Gambling Kingpins After Decade-Long Manhunt
South Korean authorities, working with UAE officials, have arrested three fugitives accused of operating illegal online gambling platforms worth billions of won and laundering the proceeds.
UAE Arrests South Korean Gambling Kingpins After Decade-Long Manhunt
A multi-year hunt for leaders of a massive illicit gambling network ended in the United Arab Emirates, where local forces working alongside a South Korean task force took three suspects into custody. Seoul’s presidential office announced the breakthrough on October 14, confirming that the group had spent roughly ten years in hiding abroad after fleeing in 2016.
The detained individuals include the suspected mastermind of the operation, his second-in-command, and a technology specialist. Investigators allege the top two figures directed an unlicensed betting platform that generated an estimated 2.6 trillion won, moving funds through the Philippines and Malaysia. The third suspect is tied to a separate 500-billion-won gambling portal, where he allegedly handled software development and day-to-day technical management.
Authorities noted the fugitives had relied on passports from other nations to mask their identities and avoid detection while moving between countries. The South Korean task force tracked their movements and shared intelligence with Emirati counterparts, leading to the raid. The joint operation was codenamed “HALAK,” a term meaning ruin or destruction in Arabic.
Two of the three arrestees—the deputy leader and the developer—were handed over to Korean officials for immediate return. The alleged chief operator remains in the UAE pending further extradition proceedings.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung praised the collaboration, stating that suspects cannot evade legal consequences indefinitely by staying overseas. He offered public thanks to the UAE government and to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their assistance in the case.
Source: Chosunbiz (https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-policy/2026/10/14/FLOZEYQKWNB65ES6L42UXN6Z7I/).
Source: Google News AE