Malaysia Cracks Down: 13 Arrested in Illegal Online Gambling Bust

In a recent development, 13 foreign nationals, including five women, were apprehended by the police in Kuala Lumpur. The arrests took place at two apartment units located in Jalan Kuchai Lama. The individuals are suspected of being involved in the management and promotion of gambling activities. As part of the operation, law enforcement seized five desktop computers, five laptops, 14 mobile phones, and two routers.

The arrested individuals, aged between 20 and 36, are also believed to lack valid travel documents. They are expected to face charges under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which pertains to illegal gambling establishments, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Notably, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently emphasized the responsibility of the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to disclose the identities of political figures associated with illegal online gambling syndicates. He urged law enforcement agencies to leverage data analytics as a means to combat these syndicates. Earlier, during a session at the Dewan Rakyat (parliament), Saifuddin had revealed the involvement of political patrons in supporting online gambling syndicates and shielding them from legal consequences in exchange for protection.