KUCHING: Five men were arrested for allegedly operating a ‘Euro 2020’ football betting and online gambling activities in a house at Jalan Stutong on Thursday.
In the 12.45pm operation codenamed ‘Ops Dadu’, an integrated task force raided a luxury residential house believed to be used to conduct illegal betting and online gambling activities.
Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said the team arrested five local men aged between 17 and 25 in the raid.
“The syndicate is believed to have reaped profits of RM40,000 from the betting activity since the Euro 2020 football tournament started in mid-June.
“For online gambling activities, the syndicate reaped profits of about RM60,000 per month,” he said, adding that these activities were detrimental to the country’s economy.
The team also confiscated various equipment used in the illegal gambling operation such as computers, a tablet, six mobile phones and various other devices.
The suspects and seized items were taken to Kuching police station for further actions.
Ahsmon stated that the case is being investigated under Section 6 (3) of the Betting Act 1953 which provides for a maximum fine up to RM200,000 and a jail term up to five years upon conviction.
“In addition, the case is also investigated under Section 4 (1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 and a three-year jail term.
“Aside from that, the police will also carry out power supply cuts at each raided premises in addition to actions under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca),” he said.
