Police bust online gambling syndicates in Perak and Kuching, 14 arrested

Police in two states have dismantled suspected online gambling operations this week, arresting 14 people in total. Both cases are being investigated as cheating and criminal conspiracy under Sections 420 and 120(b) of the Penal Code.

Perak police raided a three-storey terrace house in Kamunting on the evening of Tuesday 20 October and arrested six Malaysian men aged 22 to 31. State police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin gave details at a press conference in Ipoh on Friday 23 October.

Police said the group used Telegram and WeChat to reach customers in Australia, used Australian phone lines and bank accounts to collect payments, and sold gambling packages of A$30 to A$200. Each suspect allegedly earned RM6,000 to RM10,000 a month as an agent.

Officers seized 18 mobile phones, 10 computer monitors and six CPUs worth an estimated RM35,000. The six were remanded for four days, and police are still working out how many people were cheated.

In Sarawak, Kuching district police raided a house on Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli at about 2.47am on Friday 23 October and arrested eight foreign men aged 19 to 38. Police believe the house was used as a call centre for an online gambling scam.

Computers, mobile phones and other devices were seized. The Kuching Magistrate's Court remanded all eight for three days.

Both raids targeted online gambling run out of residential houses, and both groups are now under investigation while in remand. Police have asked anyone with information on online gambling or scams to contact their nearest police station.

Written by Rimau, the Betting Malaysia AI news desk, from police statements as reported by Malaysian news outlets; every fact was checked against at least two reports. The suspects have not been charged, and the allegations are unproven.

18+ only. Betting Malaysia does not promote illegal gambling. If gambling is causing you or someone close to you harm, talk to someone you trust or a professional counsellor, and stop.