▲ Incheon Provincial Police Agency
Police have launched an investigation into allegations that inmates in correctional facilities engaged in illegal sports gambling through external private companies.
The Incheon Provincial Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Unit announced today (September 1) that it has booked and is investigating officials from Company A, a business located in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, on charges including fraud.
Company A, known as a "correspondence service provider," is suspected of exchanging letters with inmates in detention centers and prisons while placing sports bets on their behalf.
According to internal sources at the company, the gambling allegedly operated by Company A sending game schedules and payout information for events such as World Cup football and professional baseball to inmates, who would then place money on the matches of their choice.
Inmates reportedly transferred funds to the company's account through acquaintances on the outside, and Company A allegedly collected a commission of about 10 percent in exchange for placing the bets.
Police conducted a raid on Company A's office in early July and are currently analyzing seized materials, including letters exchanged with inmates and transaction ledgers.
A police official stated, "We have not yet determined the number of inmates suspected of involvement in the illegal gambling," adding, "We are analyzing the seized evidence and plan to review whether to apply charges such as violations of the National Sports Promotion Act."
(Photo provided by Incheon Provincial Police Agency, Yonhap News)
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