Teenager Arrested for Multiple Unmanned Store Burglaries Claiming Cyber Gambling Debts

A teenager has been apprehended by police for breaking into multiple unmanned stores to steal cash to pay off cyber gambling debts.

The Ilsan Seobu Police Station announced on the 17th that they have detained and are investigating a 16-year-old male, identified as A, on charges including special larceny, attempted special larceny, and driving without a license under the Road Traffic Act.

A is accused of stealing approximately 870,000 won in cash over 10 instances by using tools to break open kiosks at seven unmanned stores in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, over a three-day period early last month.

Police investigations revealed that the repair costs for the damaged kiosks amount to approximately 3.8 million won.

While police were searching the surrounding area after receiving initial reports, additional reports of theft at other unmanned stores were filed.

A, who was fleeing on a stolen motorcycle without a license, was eventually caught by police who pursued him after confirming his physical description.

Police reported that A stated during the investigation, "I committed the crime to pay off debts incurred from cyber gambling."

Police plan to forward A to the prosecutors' office without detention after investigating the specific details of the crime.

(Photo provided by Ilsan Seobu Police Station, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.