Seoul Police Launch Dedicated Cyber Units to Combat Online Vice and Illegal Gambling

Seoul’s Metropolitan Police Agency and the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency have established specialized cybercrime investigation teams focused on dismantling online platforms facilitating illegal activities such as prostitution brokerage and illegal gambling. This marks the first time dedicated units have been formed to proactively address these crimes in the digital space, moving beyond traditional crackdowns on physical establishments.

Shifting Focus to Online Crime

The National Police Agency recently established these “dedicated cyber crime investigation teams” during routine personnel changes, according to police reports on March 11, 2026. Previously, law enforcement efforts primarily targeted offline locations like prostitution establishments and illegal gambling halls. However, authorities recognized the increasing role of online platforms in advertising, recruiting, and enabling these criminal activities.

Team Composition and Resources

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency have converted existing moral crime investigation teams into cyber-dedicated units, assigning seven and six investigators, respectively. These investigators possess prior experience in cyber investigations or related fields. The teams will focus on monitoring and investigating websites advertising prostitution and those linked to illegal gambling games.

Collaboration and Enforcement Strategies

Police plan to collaborate with organizations like the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block access to illegal prostitution sites. A key strategy involves simultaneously pursuing investigations and administrative measures against sites that repeatedly reappear with changing URLs. Recognizing that many of these sites operate on overseas servers, the police are prepared to track operators internationally and pursue criminal proceeds through international cooperation.

Expanding Cybercrime Capabilities

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office has also been reinforcing its investigative personnel, particularly within its “Financial Crime-Focused Prosecutors’ Office,” which handles virtual asset and financial crimes as reported in February 2024. This suggests a broader trend of increased resources dedicated to combating financial and moral crimes in the digital realm. Police are also considering expanding cybercrime investigation teams to other city and provincial police offices in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Dedicated cybercrime units have been established in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province to combat online vice and illegal gambling.
• The focus is shifting from cracking down on physical locations to proactively blocking online platforms.
• Collaboration with organizations like the Korea Communications Standards Commission is crucial for blocking illegal content.
• International cooperation will be utilized to address sites operating on overseas servers.