1,156 nabbed in KL raids against gambling, scam activities

 Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus says 24 were detained in an operation that targeted World Cup 2026 football bookmaking.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said 868 raids were carried out across the city from Jan 1 to June 23 under the Betting Act 1953, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Immigration Act 1959. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Kuala Lumpur police arrested 1,156 people suspected of involvement in illegal gambling activities and scam activities in 868 raids across the city from Jan 1 to June 23.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said 24 people were detained in 22 raids under Op Soga IV, which targeted bookmaking for the 2026 World Cup and resulted in the seizure of electronic devices.

He said investigations are being carried out under the Betting Act 1953, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Immigration Act 1959.

“Apart from that, police conducted 486 raids on illegal public lottery activities, leading to 487 arrests and the seizure of RM4,886 in cash and 451 mobile phones,” Bernama reported him as saying today.

Another 341 people were detained following 322 raids on online gambling centres, with police also seizing tablet computers, mobile phones and internet networking equipment.

Police also raided 21 premises suspected of operating as call centres for scam syndicates, arresting 152 people and seizing 58 computers and 77 laptops.

Fadil said police detained 146 people in 16 raids related to indoor gambling activities, with RM10,842 in cash, thousands of chips and mahjong tiles seized.

Another six people were arrested in a raid involving outdoor gambling activities, with cash and playing card sets seized.

“Overall, the operation resulted in cash seizures totalling RM45,033 and uncovered betting transactions valued at RM96,878.58 and HK$32,799.75 (RM17,310),” he said. - FMT