Police launched an investigation after allegations emerged that prison and detention center inmates placed sports bets through an outside company.
On the 1st, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency's major crime unit said it had booked and was questioning officials of a so-called "errand company" in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, on suspicion of fraud and other charges.
The company is accused of exchanging letters with inmates at detention centers and prisons to pass along schedules and dividends information for various sports such as World Cup soccer and professional baseball, and placing money on games the inmates selected on their behalf.
The inmates sent money to the company's account through outside acquaintances, and the company allegedly took a fee of about 10% of the betting amount in return for proxy betting.
Police seized letters exchanged with inmates and transaction ledgers, among other items, in a search and seizure of the company's office in early July. After analyzing the seized materials, police plan to consider whether to add charges including violations of the National Sports Promotion Act.