South Korean Teens Sent to Jail for Jewelry Theft to Cover Gambling Debts

(AsiaGameHub) –   A court has sentenced two South Korean teenagers with a gambling addiction to prison for stealing a gold bracelet from a jeweler in order to settle debts from betting.

As reported by the South Korean broadcaster MBC Gwangju, a division of the Gwangju District Court convicted the two individuals, who were not named for legal reasons, of theft and unlicensed driving.

According to prosecutors, the two acted as shoppers. A 19-year-old high school student, one of the pair, requested to examine a gold bracelet valued at 30 million won (approximately $21,000).

The 19-year-old is said to have diverted the jewelry store employee’s attention, then took the bracelet and ran from the shop. Their partner, a 17-year-old high school student, was waiting outside in a vehicle.

After fleeing the location, the 19-year-old subsequently sold the bracelet. Prosecutors informed the court that the proceeds were used to clear gambling debts.

Gambling-Addicted South Koreans Get Jail Time

The pair received prison sentences ranging from six months to one year from the presiding judge, Seo Ji-hye.

During the sentencing, Judge Seo stated: “The defendants committed the offense to pay back debts from unlawful online gambling. Although the [jewelry store] owner’s losses have not been entirely compensated, the court has considered the defendants’ youth.”

South Korea is experiencing a growing epidemic of youth gambling. A study last year revealed that nearly 5% of adolescents in Daejeon are hooked on online gambling.

Teenagers are also placing bets on Sports Toto using counterfeit or stolen identification. Toto is the government-authorized sports lottery system in South Korea.

Government officials state that the nation’s illegal gambling industry is currently valued at about $65 billion.

Gambling Awareness Campaign

Authorities state they are taking action. On May 6, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced a collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to increase understanding of the risks associated with gambling addiction.

The two agencies have decided to produce videos and online advertising initiatives. As reported by the South Korean media outlet Newsis, these materials aim to “help young people recognize the dangers of cyber gambling.”

The campaign videos and advertisements will feature the cautionary statement: “A single click could be the start of a lifetime of online gambling.”

The organizations stated the ads and videos will be displayed on screens in buses and subway stations. They will also be shown on monitors in apartment building elevators and libraries.

“Preventing cyber gambling starts with young people cultivating critical judgment. These abilities will enable them to independently identify and steer clear of risks,” explained Acting Superintendent Kim Cheon-hong of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

Kim added: “We will enhance awareness by providing tailored prevention messages that address the [gambling opportunities] students commonly come across.”