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Read Full BioA South Korean police investigation into a fatal hit-and-run incident has unearthed details about an illegal gambling website, leading to several additional arrests.
The South Korean media outlet News1 reported that officers discovered the site while investigating an unnamed 33-year-old man convicted of drunk driving and fleeing the scene of a fatal traffic accident.
The driver was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison during a trial in the District Court. But his sentence was reduced to 7 years and 6 months during an appeals trial held earlier this month.
South Korean Hit-and-Run Driver ‘Was Involved in Gambling Site’
Prosecutors explained that the convict had been driving a Maserati while drunk on a road in Gwangju at around 3:11 AM on September 24, 2024, when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle ahead of him.
As a result of the accident, the motorcycle’s passenger sustained a fatal injury. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old man and the boyfriend of the passenger, suffered serious injuries, requiring 24 weeks of treatment.
The Maserati driver sped away from the crash site and left Gwangju shortly after, seemingly intending to flee the country.
During the follow-up investigation of the Maserati driver, investigators “discovered that he was involved in operating an illegal gambling website.”
They launched a separate probe into the site and eventually arrested nine people accused of helping to run the site.
The investigation also resulted in police identifying 440 of the site’s customers. Many of the customers could soon be charged with illegal gambling-related offenses.
Furthermore, officers identified 60 other individuals they think helped launder money for the site. All have been charged, with prosecution officials ready to indict the suspects.
Two-Day Search Ends in Arrest
After the fatal accident, prosecutors told the court that the Maserati driver escaped the city with the help of his acquaintances.
He told at least one of his friends: “I’ve caused a road accident. Please help me escape.” He first fled to a hotel in Gwangju, later moving on to the city of Daejeon.
After that, he abandoned his car and took to public transport. He traveled by taxi and coach to Seoul via Incheon Airport, paying cash in a bid to evade arrest.
A major search ensued, and he was eventually arrested on September 26, two days after the fatal crash, in Seoul’s Yeoksam District.
In May, South Korean police announced a fresh crackdown on hold ‘em pubs, a type of popular gambling “experience” venue.
Officers think that many of these pubs secretly house illegal casinos and offer a range of discreet betting services.
