Three Korean Golf Bettors Referred Over Drugged Coffee
South Korean police have referred three men to prosecutors over an alleged scheme to win money in betting golf by drugging a victim's coffee, according to SBS.
The suspects are accused of making an opponent drink coffee laced with psychotropic substances and then taking 75 million won in wagers.
The case adds to a run of stories on illegal gambling in the country, including the charges against 26 Polymarket users.
What Police Allege
Police say the round took place at a golf course in Gyeonggi Province on July 30. The suspects allegedly slipped pre-prepared drugs into the victim's coffee while the victim went to the bathroom.
The victim showed impaired cognitive and motor function after drinking it, but the group allegedly kept playing a 36-hole round, made the victim lose the bets and received the money by wire transfer.
SBS identified the victim only as A. Police say the 75 million won was paid by wire transfer after the round.
How The Scheme Allegedly Worked
Investigators say the group first built the victim's trust by deliberately losing earlier betting rounds to the victim. On the day, they allegedly divided the roles between them.
SBS reported that the suspect in their 60s prepared the spiked drink, induced the victim to drink it, and received and laundered the money. He was referred in custody.
The other two suspects were referred without detention. Police say they recruited the victim, prepared the drugs beforehand and acted as lookouts at the entrance while the drugs were mixed.
A second SBS report describes the group as aged in their 60s and 70s, and says one of them played a decoy role to set the mood.
The Evidence
Police say they confirmed psychotropic substances through analysis of the victim's urine and hair, and used medical consultations to establish that the substance came from an external source. SBS's second report adds that no such drugs appeared in the victim's prescription history.
CCTV footage from the golf course also allegedly captured the suspects putting drugs in the coffee, keeping watch and handing the drink over. After the round, the group allegedly demanded payment at a restaurant, telling the victim they had lost the bet and should send the money.
What Happens Next
The three suspects have been referred, and prosecutors will now decide whether to bring formal charges. They are accused, not convicted.
Police said the case shows how narcotics crime has spread into everyday leisure and sports settings, and urged members of the public to report suspected drug use to their nearest police station.
