By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
An international crime ring is suspected of involvement in attempts to convert fake casino chips into cash at Kangwon Land in Gangwon Province.
Police are investigating a Kim, 37, and two other Korean suspects who were caught attempting to exchange the chips into 600 million won in cash at the casino. Kangwon Land is the only casino in the nation that is legally open to Koreans.
According to the police, they cashed 10 fake chips worth 1 million won each and attempted to cash hundreds of millions of won more in chips they smuggled in from Guangzhou in China and Macao.
Police said that the suspects seem to have been linked to crime rings in China and Southeast Asian countries, citing the sophisticated manufacturing and elaborate smuggling methods.
``We are now tracking the delivery route of the casino chips. The chips require high-tech skills, which implies the involvement of an international crime organization,’’ a police officer said.
Kangwon Land’s own investigation has uncovered 43 fabricated chips worth one million won each. Police, however, said other gamblers might unwittingly be holding more of them.
In addition, more fake chips were found in a customs warehouse at Incheon International Airport. If these are included, the assumed ``value’’ of them is estimated at nearly 4 billion won.
Police plan to ask for help from Interpol to determine the possible link with international crime rings.
They are also investigating whether fake chips have been used previously at other casinos here.