Stop Gambling Sites and Freeze Accounts Immediately

Lee Sang-hyeok, known globally as Faker, has been appointed as an honorary police officer to campaign against cyber gambling, according to a report from Channel A News on July 22, 2026. The professional League of Legends player received the rank of police sergeant (gyeongjang) as part of an initiative to leverage high-profile figures in esports to warn youth about the dangers of illegal online betting.

The appointment positions the T1 mid-laner as a public face for law enforcement efforts to curb the rise of cybercrime within the gaming community. By assigning Faker a specific rank, the police aim to create a symbolic link between the authority of the law and the influence of a top-tier athlete who maintains a massive following among the demographic most targeted by gambling sites.

Faker’s Role in Cyber Gambling Prevention

The appointment comes amid increasing concerns regarding the accessibility of illegal gambling platforms to young gamers. According to Channel A News, the police intend for Faker to use his platform to educate the public on how these sites operate and the legal consequences associated with their use.

As a police sergeant, Faker’s role is honorary, meaning he does not possess actual policing powers or conduct arrests. Instead, his involvement is centered on public awareness campaigns and promotional activities designed to discourage the normalization of betting within the esports ecosystem.

Industry Context and Youth Vulnerability

The selection of Lee Sang-hyeok is a strategic move by authorities given his standing in the League of Legends community. As a multi-time World Champion and the most recognized figure in esports, his endorsement of anti-gambling measures carries significant weight with a youth audience that may otherwise ignore traditional government warnings.

Illegal gambling sites often target gamers through deceptive advertising and “refer-a-friend” schemes. Law enforcement officials have noted that once individuals enter these ecosystems, they often find it difficult to exit due to the predatory nature of the platforms and the speed at which operators can move funds between different accounts to avoid detection.

The Impact of Honorary Appointments in Esports

This development marks a shift in how South Korean authorities engage with the gaming industry. Rather than relying solely on restrictive legislation, the police are integrating cultural icons into their preventative strategies. By granting Faker the rank of sergeant, the agency is attempting to bridge the gap between formal law enforcement and the digital-native generation.

The move follows a pattern of increasing collaboration between the Korean government and the esports sector to address social issues, including internet addiction and the rise of sophisticated financial scams targeting young adults.