PETALING JAYA – Gambling kingpins have been difficult to nab because they have the backing of politicians and influential individuals, said former inspector-general of police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan.
Police have found that to be a big obstacle in their efforts to eradicate illegal activities such as vice and gambling. Musa did not discount the possibility of politicians receiving kickbacks from the syndicate or being partners of the kingpins.
“Go after the kingpins and the promoters. Then it will be put to an end. There are promoters who send out text messages to promote illegal gaming like 4D and other games. I have personally received it.
“The police should track down the senders through their numbers. I have done this in the past with numbers sent by Ah Longs (loan sharks). With the right kind of intelligence gathering, it can be done.”
On the prosecution of gambling kingpins, Musa said it would not be an easy task as strong evidence is needed.
“Often, witnesses are afraid to come forward because of threats from these syndicates,” he said.
“They are linked to the underworld and will do all it takes to stay in business. This is why preventive laws are so crucial in such cases.”
He said the recent announcement on the repeal of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and future plans to abolish preventive laws is regressive as it is needed to put away criminals who escape the law due to technicalities, lack of evidence and uncooperative witnesses.
He suggested the Home Ministry form a committee to oversee operations against illegal gambling syndicates.
Musa, who served in the police force for 41 years before retiring in 2010, said illegal gambling activities had not declined over the past 15 years.
He said syndicates had grown more advanced with the use of new technology and were moving their businesses online.
“These days, the illegal 4D racket operates from websites. You can bet on numbers via the internet.”
Musa also agreed with Transparency-International Malaysia president Datuk Akhbar Satar, who last week said district police chiefs should be answerable if such activities were found in their districts, adding that such action would prove to be effective.
“During my time, I transferred out wayward district chiefs and I was accused of being cruel. As the head of the police, I had to be strict. Such irresponsibility cannot be tolerated,” he said.
– Sundaily
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