- Lending a bank book, debit card or OTP device for a benefit (or a promised benefit) is punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment or a KRW 30 million fine.
- If you knew the account would be used for gambling top-ups or cash-outs, you may also be booked for aiding the opening of a gambling place.
- Account holders are the first people found in account tracing, so they are usually the first to be contacted.
Applicable laws and penalties
Electronic Financial Transactions Act Art. 49Criminal Act Art. 247Criminal Act Art. 32Key issues
Benefit
Whether you received or were promised money is the core element. A promise to arrange a loan can also be treated as a benefit.
Knowledge of use
Whether you knew it would be used for gambling decides whether aiding applies.
How it happened
If you were deceived by a job or loan scam, messages showing that are important.
Repeated lending
Handing over several accounts or lending repeatedly is judged as higher involvement.
What to do, step by step
- Check the freeze or noticeIf you received a freeze notice or a notice that your financial records were provided, find out which case it is linked to.
- Keep evidencePreserve messages, transfers and contact details from when you handed over the account.
- Prepare for questioningStatements about any promised benefit and what you knew decide the outcome, so prepare in advance.
- Victim remediesIf you were also scammed, consider filing a complaint as well.
Frequently asked questions
I sent my bank book to get a loan. Can I be punished?
If the loan promise is treated as a benefit you can be punished, but if messages show you were deceived there is room to dispute intent. The first statement decides much of the outcome. Do not delete messages and consult a lawyer before questioning.
Can a frozen account be released?
How to release it depends on the reason and procedure for the freeze. It must go along with the case, so asking the bank alone rarely solves it. Bring the notice to a consultation.
Is a business account I let someone use also a problem?
If a business account was used in the gambling money flow, the same issue arises, and lending the name itself may be a separate problem. Check first how far liability may spread.
The same role can lead to different charges and outcomes depending on the facts. For your specific case, speak with a lawyer.