KUCHING: An online gambling syndicate’s operation, which had raked in about RM1.26 million, was brought down after seven foreign operators were busted by the police.
Acting on information and a three-month intelligence, police raided the syndicate which was operating out of an apartment in Taman Seng Goon here around 3.05pm last Thursday.
Kuching OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah, who confirmed the case, said the owner of the apartment and seven Indonesian operators, aged between 16 and 29, were arrested in the raid.
Police also seized six computers, six monitors, five phones, an Internet router and modem, he said, adding the syndicate is believed to have raked in about RM6,000 per day and about RM1,260,000 since the illicit activity began at the centre seven months ago.
“Investigations found that the centre had been operating on a 24-hour basis in shifts and the operators were paid up to RM1,500 per month.
“The syndicate would promote online gambling to locals via calls and social media,” he said.
All seven suspects will be investigated under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 and up to three years imprisonment.
They are also liable to a fine of up to RM50,000 for each online gambling machine seized if found guilty.
The foreigners are also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Ahsmon assured that police will continue to conduct ‘Ops Dadu Khas’ to combat illegal gambling.
