In a dramatic raid, South Korean police have dismantled an illegal casino disguised as a cryptocurrency mining operation in the city of Gwangju. Authorities uncovered over $95,000 USD (₩140 million) in gambling proceeds funneled through modified gaming machines, cleverly hidden behind a fake crypto facility.
The operator, identified only as "Mr. A," installed over 50 unauthorized machines and kiosks in an office space under the pretense of running a virtual currency exchange and mining center. Players were charged approximately ₩50,000 ($38) per hour to access altered mobile games that awarded cash prizes based on high scores, in blatant violation of South Korea’s Game Industry Promotion Act.
Law enforcement seized all equipment and are pursuing further investigations to identify additional accomplices. Officials say this scheme is part of a growing trend in South Korea, where criminals exploit the crypto-mining narrative to cover up illegal gambling dens. “This is not just fraud—it’s an attack on public trust,” said Police Chief Jeong Gyeong-ho, vowing to prevent such operations from re-emerging.
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