South Korean police: An investigation has been launched against 26 Polymarket users, among which 18 have been referred to the prosecution, involving approximately 17.6 billion Korean won

According to data submitted by the Korean National Police Agency to Democratic Party member Yoon Kyun-young's office, as of September 15, the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency's Cyber Investigation Team has initiated investigations into 26 Polymarket users, with 18 of them referred to the prosecution. The total betting amount involved is approximately 17.6 billion Korean won, with the highest individual bet being around 5.7 billion Korean won. The police believe that the trading activities on Polymarket clearly constitute illegal gambling.

The Korean authorities identified and tracked these users by analyzing publicly available blockchain transaction records using open-source intelligence technology. The Korea Communications Standards Commission decided to block Polymarket on August 18. The KCSC determined that the platform's betting on uncontrollable events and its "winner takes all" profit model fostered a gambling mentality.