Korean police have dismantled a criminal network operating an illegal horse racing betting site that generated approximately ₩170 billion ($121 million) by pirating live streams of Korea Racing Authority (KRA)-sanctioned races. The gang, active from December 2022 to November 2024, used text ads and referrals from a YouTube influencer with around 10,000 followers to recruit bettors. Authorities arrested 29 individuals, including site operators and a YouTuber involved in gambling, and charged 140 members of the illegal site for betting violations, with some placing bets exceeding ₩5 million ($3,542).

The gang also collaborated with another criminal group to manage gambling fund transactions, employing tactics such as frequently changing burner phones and using fake accounts to evade law enforcement. After relocating their operations to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to avoid crackdowns, the group continued their illegal activities until a joint investigation by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and KRA led to their arrest. Police warned that all online horse racing sites outside the official KRA platform are illegal and users risk prosecution.