| 
A man in his 20s has been arrested in Busan for allegedly defrauding 11 acquaintances of tens of millions of won to support his gambling habit, according to local police and a report from The Chosun Daily. Investigators say he persuaded former military juniors and old school classmates to lend him money by claiming his father needed urgent medical treatment.
Police identified the suspect only as A. Officers from the Busan Saha Police Station confirmed he has been transferred to prosecutors under arrest on suspicion of fraud. Authorities believe he collected KRW 42 million, about US$31,500, from 11 victims before the scheme fell apart.
Investigators found that after leaving military service, the suspect struggled to secure stable employment. During this time, he allegedly relied heavily on gambling. Police say he spent roughly KRW 30 million he had saved during military service, along with another KRW 40 million provided by his parents. When that money ran out, officers believe he turned to deception to continue funding his activities.
The first complaint was filed in late August, after one of the victims came forward and was unable to recover the funds. Police began tracing the suspect’s movements across several regions. Their search led them to Gimpo in Gyeonggi Province, where he was arrested on the 10th of this month.
Police say the suspect admitted to borrowing money from acquaintances but has not clearly explained why he lied about medical bills. Investigators continue to review bank records, phone data, and statements from all 11 victims to determine how the money was solicited and where it was ultimately spent.
Authorities say the pattern of requests and the amount collected point to deliberate deception, although prosecutors will now examine whether additional charges are warranted. Officials are also checking whether more victims may come forward as the case becomes public.
Prosecutors are expected to review the timeline of the alleged offences, the evidence gathered by police, and the financial harm to each victim as they prepare for the next steps in the judicial process. The case has drawn attention in Busan due to the number of acquaintances involved and the length of time the suspect is believed to have relied on gambling funds from others.
Police urge anyone who may have had similar contact with the suspect to report it, noting that the investigation remains active.
