Original Source
Screen Golf Fraud Ring Swindles 74 Million Won Using Drugs and Screen Manipulation
Screen Golf Betting Fraud Scheme Uncovered
Mr. A, who was playing betting golf at a screen golf facility in the greater Seoul area, experienced unusual symptoms, including the screen direction suddenly changing and feeling lethargic during the game. After Mr. A briefly stepped away, he witnessed one man swapping out his coffee and another adding drugs to his drink. Mr. A secretly filmed this and reported it to the police. Police investigations revealed that the suspects sought out seemingly affluent victims through golf clubs and similar associations, then naturally proposed betting games. The group administered psychotropic drugs, ostensibly prescribed for insomnia, to the victims to impair their concentration. They then swindled money by secretly installing a USB receiver on the computer and using a remote control to alter the screen's direction during a swing.
Police Investigation and Scale of Losses
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Regional Investigation Unit announced today (the 12th) that it had forwarded two members of the ring to prosecutors for detention on charges of fraud and violation of the Narcotics Control Act on the 25th of last month, while seven others were referred without detention. Police confirmed that losses occurred over 10 incidents across approximately three months, starting in December 2024, with the total betting amount reaching 74 million won. Police explained that the losses were repetitive due to victims' desire to 'recover their initial investment,' and urged caution, stating that excessive betting in sports, disguised as social gatherings, can become a target for crime.
*Source: YouTube: JTBC News (March 12, 2026)*
