Police arrest 282 in nationwide crackdown on online gambling and illegal lotteries

In a nationwide operation, Malaysian police have arrested 282 individuals and seized RM32,149 in cash during a crackdown on online gambling and unlicensed lottery activities, targeting 201 business premises. The two-day operation, dubbed Ops Dadu Khas, took place from October 31 to November 1, including in Sabah and Sarawak. Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar revealed that 201 raids were carried out, with 108 focused on online gambling and 93 on unlicensed public lottery operations.

The 282 arrested individuals were aged between 20 and 65, comprising 229 men and 53 women, with 223 being Malaysian citizens and the remaining 59 foreign nationals from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Among those arrested were various electronic devices and equipment believed to have been used in the illicit activities.

Police are working to identify syndicates operating under names like Winbox and Alibaba, aiming to uncover their leaders. Preliminary investigations have identified several syndicates, and the police plan to recommend disconnecting electricity supplies to all 201 premises after investigations are complete. Additionally, the syndicates often relocate between premises to avoid detection, utilizing business establishments as fronts for their online gambling operations.

The arrested individuals are being investigated under various provisions of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. Police will continue to intensify enforcement against unlicensed gambling, collaborating with local authorities and other relevant agencies.