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A 12-member crime syndicate from South Korea has been arrested by the authorities after it allegedly went after rich individuals and extorted over $850,000 with the use of fixed casino games and fake overseas golf tours. One suspect is still at large, prompting an international Interpol Red Notice.

South Korean police have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network that lured rich golfers on international trips before fleecing them in a calculated mix of manipulated casino games, faux crimes, and high-stakes extortion.

The International Crime Investigation Unit of the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects, including the group's ringleader, identified only as 60-year-old 'Mr. A.' Authorities say the syndicate's schemes ran from late 2022 to mid-2024 and targeted at least six affluent victims, extracting nearly 1.19 billion Won ($850,000) in total.

Golf trips as the perfect bait

The operation began in November of 2022 when Mr. A befriended a wealthy businessman during a golf event. According to court documents, the suspect secretly installed a GPS tracker on the car of the businessman, enabling the gang to monitor his movements and plan their approach.

Mr. A later told the businessman he had won an all-expenses-paid trip to Thailand to celebrate a supposed 'hole-in-one.' The promise of luxury golf experiences abroad proved irresistible - but it was merely the first step in the trap. Once in Thailand, the group kept up appearances by playing rounds of golf with their target. Behind the scenes, however, they were laying the groundwork for a sextortion plot.

Investigators say the victim was encouraged to engage in sexual acts with a woman, only to later be told she was underage. Under pressure and fearing prosecution, the businessman paid 240 million Won (about $172,000) to make the problem 'disappear.'

Rigged casinos in Cambodia

Between 2023 and 2024, the group also expanded its operations, targeting more wealthy golfers they met at driving ranges across South Korea. The victims were flown to Cambodia under the guise of exclusive golf outings - but were soon steered toward casinos where the games were secretly manipulated.

Police say corrupt casino employees worked alongside the syndicate to ensure the victims lost substantial sums. In one particularly elaborate ruse, the criminals staged a fake kidnapping, convincing a victim that his associate was being held hostage. The man paid 680 million Won (about $490,000) in a single transaction to secure the associate's release - an associate who, in reality, was never in danger.

A classic 'setup crime'

Authorities describe the scheme as a textbook example of a 'setup crime,' a tactic in which victims are framed as criminals to pressure them into paying. The strategy relies heavily on the fear of legal repercussions, discouraging victims from reporting the crime.

"Demanding money by invoking the possibility of criminal prosecution is clearly extortion," the Gyeonggi police said in a statement. "Do not comply, and report it immediately." The investigation also uncovered the group's reliance on GPS surveillance to track their targets and the assistance of at least one casino insider who facilitated the fraudulent games.

International manhunt ongoing

While 12 members of the network are now in custody, one suspect - a South Korean citizen who coordinated the overseas aspects of the scheme - remains at large. His passport has been revoked, and authorities have asked for an Interpol Red Notice to aid in his capture and extradition.

Police are urging the public, especially affluent individuals who travel for leisure, to be cautious when accepting invitations to events abroad. If something sounds too good to be true, it often is, an investigator noted. The case has sparked renewed calls in South Korea for increased awareness of transnational fraud schemes that prey on personal reputations, privacy fears, and the allure of luxury travel.

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is the newest regulatory authority to warn South Dakotans against illegal online casino gaming. The group has recently released a PSA informing the general public about an influx of unregulated casinos in the state, pretending to be legitimate websites that market to SD visitors and residents.

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming has issued a public service announcement warning residents and visitors about a surge in unlicensed online casino platforms posing as legitimate operators. The regulator says these unauthorized sites are engaging in deceptive marketing and operating in violation of state law, which does not permit online casino-style games.

According to the commission, several fake websites and advertisements are deliberately mimicking the logos, branding, and promotional styles of licensed tribal and commercial casinos in South Dakota. Some platforms are also enticing players with 'unrealistic bonuses' and 'guaranteed winnings' - offers the regulator says are clear warning signs of potential scams.

"The South Dakota Commission on Gaming remains committed to protecting the integrity of legal gaming in our state and safeguarding consumers from fraud and abuse," the commission said in its PSA.

Protecting players from financial and security risks

The regulator's warning demonstrates growing concerns over financial losses, identity theft, and consumer exploitation linked to illegal gambling platforms. Unlicensed operators often operate outside US jurisdiction, making it difficult for victims to recover funds or hold companies accountable.

South Dakota officials are urging players to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any gambling service before engaging. Bettors are advised to avoid clicking on suspicious ads, double-check licensing credentials, and steer clear of platforms that make unrealistic promises.

The state's stance aligns with a broader national push by regulators to curb the influence of unlicensed operators. Several states have recently launched awareness campaigns highlighting the risks associated with illegal gambling platforms.

Meta tightens gambling ad rules

The commission's warning follows recent moves by Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to restrict gambling-related advertising from unauthorized operators. Under Meta's updated policies, companies must apply for permission to advertise gambling products through the Permissions and Verifications portal in its Business Suite. Advertisers must disclose whether they are aggregators, operators, or affiliates, identify target territories, provide proof of licensing, and confirm their legal business names and official websites.

Meta's rules also prohibit targeting individuals under 18 and require influencers promoting gambling content to register as affiliates. While the policy does allow advertising for social casinos and free-to-play games without prior approval, there is currently no explicit mention of online sweepstakes. However, a spokesperson for the South Dakota Commission on Gaming said that the state has not yet observed a measurable impact from Meta's policy changes on unlicensed operators in the region.

Other states issue similar warnings

South Dakota's move mirrors action taken earlier this year by the Arizona Department of Gaming. In its own PSA, the ADG warned against unauthorized online casinos and sweepstakes platforms, noting that only certain free-to-play games are legal in Arizona.

Arizona's regulations for free-to-play games are strict, requiring 'no consideration or purchase' and prohibiting any additional conditions for participation. However, the state's gaming laws do not explicitly define sweepstakes gaming, leaving a regulatory gap that some unlicensed operators attempt to exploit.

By joining Arizona in raising public awareness, South Dakota is signaling that the problem of unlicensed online gambling is not confined to one region - it's a growing concern for gaming regulators nationwide.

As illegal online casinos continue to adapt and market aggressively to US players, regulators face the challenge of keeping up with evolving tactics. Both state-level oversight bodies and major tech platforms are under pressure to strengthen protections for consumers while ensuring that legal gaming operations maintain their integrity.

Light & Wonder has recently announced that it is removing itself from Nasdaq and is planning to have a sole listing on ACX, the Australian Securities Exchange. But amid its plans, Light & Wonder is also facing a lawsuit from Aristocrat for copyright infringement and trade misappropriation centering on the Dragon Link casino game developed by Aristocrat.

Light & Wonder, the global cross-platform gaming provider, is preparing to delist from the Nasdaq stock exchange as part of a strategic shift aimed at maximizing shareholder value. The company will instead maintain a sole listing on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it has been steadily growing its market presence.

The Las Vegas-headquartered gaming giant revealed it engaged investment banks Goldman Sachs and Jarden Australia to evaluate the move. After an extensive operational review, Light & Wonder's board of directors approved the delisting, which is expected to take place by the end of November.

President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Wilson expressed confidence in the plan. "I have confidence in our strategy as we continue to execute our long-term blueprint, which will continue to drive quality of earnings and sustainable value both operationally and financially," Wilson said. Light & Wonder's US share price has slipped more than 10% year-to-date. Since its 2023 ASX debut, the company has significantly expanded its share capital on the exchange, from 17% at listing to 37% by July of 2025.

Legal battle with Aristocrat looms

The decision to leave Nasdaq comes as Light & Wonder faces legal turbulence at home. Australian slot manufacturer Aristocrat has filed a lawsuit in Nevada accusing Light & Wonder of copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and misleading trade practices.

The dispute centers on Aristocrat's popular Dragon Link casino title. Aristocrat alleges Light & Wonder deliberately recruited former Aristocrat executives and designers to replicate the title's mechanics and appearance. In response, Light & Wonder insists its contested games were developed independently over several years with original innovation. Aristocrat has since expanded its lawsuit to include other Light & Wonder titles. The company is seeking monetary damages and an injunction, with a trial scheduled for 2026.

Despite the legal headwinds, Light & Wonder continues to invest in shareholder returns. In June of 2024, the board approved a $1 billion share repurchase program over the span of three years. Chief Financial Officer Oliver Chow reported that the plan is already 55% complete, with $100 million in shares bought back during Q2 2025 alone.

Since 2022, Light & Wonder has returned a total of $1.3 billion to various shareholders. David Katz, a Wall Street analyst, estimates that once the company is solely listed on the ASX, its market capitalization could approach $8 billion.

Mixed financial results in Q2

For the second quarter of 2025, Light & Wonder reported revenue of $809 million, a slight drop from $818 million in the same quarter last year. The decline was primarily driven by lower results in the company's SciPlay and gaming divisions.

However, the iGaming segment posted year-over-year growth, generating $81 million compared to $74 million in Q2 2024. AEBITDA for the quarter rose to $663 million, up from $610 million a year earlier. Net income reached $96 million, marking a 16% increase.

Light & Wonder is also eyeing new markets. The company recently secured a vendor license from the United Arab Emirates' General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, paving the way for its products to enter the emerging UAE gaming market.

As the company prepares to leave the Nasdaq, management remains focused on executing its growth strategy while navigating ongoing legal disputes. Whether its sole ASX listing will provide the streamlined focus and investor confidence it seeks remains to be seen, but Light & Wonder is betting heavily on the move to deliver sustainable long-term gains.