KUCHING: An online gambling syndicate here has been busted with the arrest of seven individuals.
Acting on information, a police team raided an apartment — being used as an operations centre — in Bintawa around 4.30pm on Monday (Oct 4).
The syndicate is believed to be raking in about RM102,000 since beginning its illicit activity two months ago.
Kuching OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah said five foreigners and two locals aged between 18 and 28 were nabbed.
Police also seized four computers, three monitors, eight phones and a modem.
“The centre had been operating on a 24-hour basis with shifts, and the individuals were paid up to RM1,500 per month.
“The syndicate would promote online gambling to locals via calls and social media.”
All seven individuals 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 will also be fined up to RM50,000 for each online gambling machine seized.
The foreigners will be remanded for 14 days until Oct 19 under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“This raid marks the district’s 20th success in a span of three months.
“We will continue to conduct ‘Ops Dadu’ to combat illegal gambling, which is detrimental to the economy.”
