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Kangwon Land Inc has said some of its staff took part in a Tuesday law-enforcement operation against 4 venues suspected of illegal gambling activity near its own resort in Jeongseon County. The company said the crackdown took place within Sabuk town in Gangwon Province, where Kangwon Land is located and where South Korea’s only casino open to locals operates.
Multi-Agency Operation In Sabuk
The raid comprised 25 people, who represented a number of departments such as the National Gambling Control Commission, the Game Rating and Administration Committee, the Gangwon Provincial Police, Jeongseon police, and the Korea Racing Authority. In response, Kangwon Land confirmed that those facilities whose raids have been organized are regarded as illegal speculative gaming places and illegal gaming rooms masquerading as apartments.
18 gadgets, including internet-capable personal computers and tablets, have been seized during the raid. There has not been any more information provided on the nature of the activity, although this is part of an effort to crack down on the illegal gambling in the area around the resort.
Company Emphasizes Social Responsibility
Interim chief executive Nam Han-gyu said the establishment of a cooperative system with relevant agencies has been producing tangible results in crackdowns. He added that Kangwon Land will continue to carry out response activities as a public enterprise to help establish a sound social order, including monitoring illegal speculative activities and carrying out onsite crackdowns through close information sharing.
The company also operates a reward scheme that allows members of the public to report suspected illicit gambling. According to its website, the programme is open to anyone with information on possible illegal activity.
Suspected Cash-Out Scheme
Local news outlets reported separately that the venues targeted on Tuesday were allegedly exchanging points earned by customers in illegal games for cash. The police arrested 6 suspects, among whom was a 67-year-old person considered to be the proprietor of this business, for violating the Game Industry Promotion Act of the nation.
According to information provided by Kangwon Land, there were two simultaneous raids organized throughout the year, with the second raid being organized in Gunpo city South of Seoul, where police and gambling regulators raided a business accused of running an illegal gambling business.
Profit Decline Adds Context
The crackdown comes after Kangwon Land reported a decline in quarterly earnings. The company’s first-quarter net profit was KRW39.67 billion, or US$26.3 million currently, down 46.8% year-on-year.
The latest enforcement action shows that the company continues to be involved in efforts to curb illegal gambling activity near its own resort, even as it manages weaker profit results. With staff joining the operation alongside multiple agencies, Kangwon Land said it remains focused on monitoring and responding to suspected unlawful gaming in its local area.
Source: GGR Asia
