Korea police bust mule account ring linked to illegal gambling sites

A Simple Offer That Turned Risky

The group leader is a man in his 30s known as Mr A. His team started recruiting in June 2023. They offered about KRW 1 million ($720) each month to people willing to hand over their bank accounts. The offer looked easy, and many users agreed because the job seemed harmless.

Once the ring got the accounts, they sold them to money-laundering groups. Each account brought up to KRW 3 million, plus KRW 130,000 for each day the account stayed active. 

To stop users from backing out, the group collected ID cards, family records, and delivery logs. These items gave the ring power over anyone who might try to leave. They also helped the group keep track of every user linked to the scheme.

Leaks Inside a Bank and a Violent Warning

Trouble began when one man took KRW 220 million and ran. The ring’s enforcement team found him, shaved his head, and filmed the scene. The video later spread on Telegram — a message that the group would not accept losses.

Police say the network also had help from inside a major bank. One worker, known as Mr B, handled fraud calls at a call centre. He appears to have checked internal systems to confirm wire transfer details and then shared them with the ring. He received about KRW 300,000 for each case — a move that helped the group avoid account freezes and safety checks.

Police Step In

Police arrested 59 people and detained seven. Most face charges under the Criminal Organisation Act. Members of the enforcement team face extra counts of joint coercion and special robbery. Mr B now faces charges under the Financial Real Name Transaction Act — a case that may lead to strong penalties once the review ends.

Authorities also seized luxury cars worth KRW 640 million, along with jewellery and other items. They filed for pre-indictment recovery of KRW 1.75 billion linked to suspected profits from the scheme. This case shows that:

• Crime groups still look for rented accounts.

• Insider leaks can weaken bank safety steps.

• Quick money offers can lead users into danger.

Police say the case shows how a simple cash offer grew into a major laundering ring powered by rented accounts, insider leaks and intimidation. Dozens were arrested, but the investigation highlights how easily criminals exploit weak points in banking systems. The incident is a warning that quick money deals can carry serious risks for everyone involved.