South Korean man indicted for illegal gambling scheme with North Korean hacker support
Authorities say ₩7 billion from online gambling profits was transferred to North Korea’s regime; suspect operated 16 illicit sites with cyber help from Pyongyang’s 313 Bureau
A South Korean man in his 50s has been formally indicted for leading a criminal syndicate that launched and sold illegal gambling websites with direct assistance from North Korean hackers. These hackers are believed to be affiliated with the 313 Bureau, a unit under North Korea’s Munitions Industry Department responsible for cyber operations and foreign currency generation.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office announced on Monday that the man, identified only by his surname Kim, is facing multiple charges including violations of the National Security Act, the Act on Regulation and Punishment of Criminal Proceeds Concealment, and laws against illegal gambling operations.
According to prosecutors, Kim began collaborating with North Korean hackers based in China between 2022 and 2024, during which they helped him build and sell 16 illegal gambling websites within South Korea. The hackers also offered ongoing technical support, helping him resolve issues related to site maintenance and operation.
The 313 Bureau, known for setting up shell companies in cities like Dandong, China, is tasked with executing North Korea’s IT and cybercrime strategies and generating revenue through illicit digital activities.
Investigations revealed that at least ₩7 billion (roughly $5 million) of the ₩23.5 billion ($17.2 million) Kim earned was transferred to the hackers. Authorities believe these funds were ultimately funneled to the North Korean regime to support the leadership of Kim Jong-un.
To avoid detection, Kim lived in China while distributing the gambling platforms to South Korean users. Intelligence from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in early 2023 indicated that a South Korean national based abroad was actively involved in running illegal gambling websites targeting domestic users.
Kim was arrested in November 2023 upon re-entering South Korea, and was formally detained on May 7, 2025, following a year-long investigation by the Seoul Metropolitan Police’s National Security Investigation Division.
Authorities also confirmed that Kim exchanged 1,181 messages with two North Korean hackers via Telegram and other platforms over a two-month period from October to November 2023. These communications included instructions, macro advertising tools, and strategies to evade law enforcement.
Kim’s operation, active from March 2021 to August 2024, reportedly generated revenue through gambling credits and ongoing service commissions.
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