A South Korean fugitive who is wanted for illegal gambling operations was apprehended in a luxury Pattaya condominium.
A South Korean national wanted for his role in a massive illegal gambling operation was apprehended in a luxury Pattaya condominium on Christmas Day. Thai immigration officials arrested 33-year-old Jung on December 25th, finding him with passports from both South Korea and Vanuatu.
Jung was a wanted man in South Korea, connected to several online gambling networks – Top Plus Bet (top-911.com), B-Plus, Dynamisty, and Togenot – that had been operating illegally for over five years. These networks allegedly ran a sophisticated money laundering operation, funneling illicit funds through a network of 80 bank accounts. The staggering sum processed through these accounts, estimated at 592.6 billion won (approximately 15 billion baht or US$438 million), paints a disturbing picture of the vast scale of this illegal enterprise.
Authorities believe Jung played a pivotal role in the network's day-to-day activities. He allegedly oversaw operations, managed vast databases containing user information, and ensured the smooth flow of funds within the organization. Following the dismantling of these networks by South Korean police, Jung reportedly fled to Thailand, seeking refuge in a luxurious Pattaya condo.
However, his attempt to escape justice proved futile. Thai immigration officials, acting on a tip and in close collaboration with South Korean authorities, conducted the raid on Christmas Day. During the operation, officers seized computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices believed to hold crucial evidence linking Jung to the gambling network. Adding to his woes, officials discovered that Jung had overstayed his visa in Thailand.
He is currently detained and faces deportation proceedings in addition to potential charges related to his involvement in the illegal gambling operation.
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