Malaysian police have recently intensified their crackdown on illegal gambling and transnational fraud, launching simultaneous operations in various locations, successively dismantling online gambling gangs and call center fraud groups, and carrying out large-scale raids nationwide.
In Sungai Buloh, Selangor, police raided a suspected online gambling stronghold, arresting 34 suspects, including 29 males and 5 females, aged between 19 and 33, with only one being a Malaysian citizen.
The police revealed that the gang operates from 9 AM to 11 PM daily, with an average daily income of about 2500 MYR (532 USD). Their modus operandi includes impersonating females on Facebook to lure victims to gambling websites, and completing bets and withdrawals through WhatsApp and foreign bank accounts. The suspects have been detained for four days, and authorities are applying for an extension of custody. The police pointed out that the group relies entirely on online operations, using encrypted communications and overseas banking channels to hide their tracks.
Meanwhile, another group of law enforcement officers arrested 39 suspects at locations in Subang Jaya and Wan Chai, who are suspected of impersonating customer service personnel on social media to carry out fake investment scams, mainly targeting victims in Hong Kong, Australia, and Singapore. The police said that victims often realize they have been scammed only after transferring money, with estimated losses up to 515 million MYR.
In addition to targeted strikes, a nationwide two-day "Op Dadu Mega" large-scale anti-gambling operation was also launched simultaneously. According to the New Straits Times, police raided 395 locations from August 30 to 31, of which 272 were involved in illegal gambling. A total of 328 people were arrested, including 286 males and 42 females, 258 of whom were Malaysians, with the rest being foreigners.
Law enforcement officers noted that the involved locations include 245 illegal public lottery sales points, 20 online gambling centers, 5 unlicensed family entertainment venues, and 2 call centers suspected of gambling. Police seized a large amount of cash, gambling machines, computers, and other digital devices.
The cases will be dealt with according to the 1953 Public Gambling Houses Act. Under Section 4A(a), those assisting in illegal lottery can be fined from 20,000 to 200,000 MYR and face up to 5 years imprisonment; Section 4B(a) targets gambling machine offenses, with each machine incurring a fine of 10,000 to 100,000 MYR and also up to 5 years imprisonment. Some suspects will also face charges of operating illegal venues and possession of gambling devices. Undocumented foreigners will be investigated under the Immigration Act, facing fines and imprisonment, and possibly caning.
The Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Datuk M. Kumar, stated that the police will continue to enforce the law strictly and urged the public to actively report suspicious activities to jointly curb the spread of illegal gambling and transnational fraud.
