Five wanted for running unregulated gambling site in Korea

Police in Korea have issued warrants for five people accused of operating illegal international gambling Web sites in the country. The suspects, who opened two sites using Hong Kong servers in April 2004, are said to be living in China.

The Pusan Metropolitan Police Agency released information Sunday that the perpetrators had a client base of 20,000 Korean residents who were drawn to the sites via cell phone text messaging advertisements.

The ads offered to provide Koreans with an online poker room and place to play the popular regional card game go-stop.

Total revenue collected by the sites is estimated at $14.3 million, the police said.

Police have also charged 76 of the sites' regular customers, who deposited cash in the operators' bank accounts to receive gaming money. The sites then took an 8% commission.

The five accused were already convicted in 2001 for operating an Internet gambling site in the country, however, the group moved its home base to China and continued to run the business.

Officers requested Interpol help arrest the accused as they are living overseas.

Online gambling is legal in Korea, but operators and patrons must comply with industry regulations.

News Added: 29 January, 2007

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