Fake YouTube Wins Led Players to Illegal Korean Betting Sites
South Korean police have sent 12 suspects to prosecutors for allegedly operating illegal gambling sites promoted through manipulated YouTube livestreams.
The network offered illegal sports betting, online casino games and slots over a 32-month period. Police said it handled more than KRW60bn in bets and generated over KRW3bn in criminal proceeds.
The suspects allegedly broadcast staged livestreams that appeared to show players achieving high win rates and receiving large payouts. These videos were designed to persuade viewers to join the gambling platforms.
Investigators said the group developed its own traffic manipulation software and created a dedicated promotion team. It inflated video views and real-time viewer numbers to push the streams higher in YouTube search results and recommendation feeds.
The 12 detained suspects face charges of operating illegal gambling spaces and violating South Korea’s National Sports Promotion Act. All identified members of the network are in their 20s or 30s.
Five other suspects, including an alleged overseas leader, are believed to be in Thailand. Arrest warrants have been issued, and police have requested Interpol Red Notices.
The investigation lasted 18 months and included the seizure of computers, burner phones and bank accounts. Police also froze around KRW3bn in suspected criminal assets.
