KUCHING: Police have crippled an online gambling syndicate which reaped profits of about RM60,000 within two months of its operations at a premises in Kuching City Mall yesterday (Apr 17).
The ‘Op Dadu Khas’ raid carried out by the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) D7 Branch, also resulted in the arrest of four men and a foreign woman, who were operators of the gambling call centre.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the suspects aged between 19 and 26, were hired and paid a salary of RM1,500 to promote online gambling.
“The suspects would advertise online gambling through phone calls and social media applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat and Facebook.
“The gambling centre has been operating on a 24-hour shift basis for the past two months, based on their records and transactions.
“It is believed that the syndicate had reaped profits of about RM30,000 per month,” he said.
Also seized in the raid were two computers, two phone, a Wi-Fi modem, closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitor and other equipment used to carry out the online gambling activities.
The case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 and a jail term of up to three years, upon conviction.
Apart from that, the suspects liable to be fined up to RM50,000 for each confiscated gambling machine.
In a similar update, Azman said the CID is carrying out a month-long ‘Op Dadu Khas’ from April 2 to May 2.
“Our men have conducted a total of 100 raids related to online gambling and it led to the arrest of 100 individuals comprising of 68 men and 32 women.
“Also seized during the operation were cash amounting to RM17,621, a tablet and 101 phones,” he said.
He said police will take stern action against individuals who organise and carry out illegal gambling activities.
Members of the public who have information regarding gambling activities, can channel them through the ‘Op Dadu’ WhatsApp hotline at 013-5253052.
