Malaysian Police Bust Illegal Online Gambling Ring, Arrest 34

Authorities noted that the illegal gambling operation functioned entirely online, relying on encrypted messaging apps and international banking networks to conceal its activitiesImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Selangor policebusted an illegal online gambling ring in Malaysia, and have apprehended 34 individualslinked to the illicit activities operating out of a terraced house in Sungai Buloh. 

Illegal Gambling Ring Busted in Malaysia

According to The Malay Mail, the suspects comprise 29 men and five women, aged between 19 and 33. Notably, almost all of them are foreigners, as only one of those arrested is a Malaysian citizen. Investigations revealed that members of the syndicate posed as women on Facebook to attract victims, whom they then directed to gambling websites. All betting and withdrawals were conducted via WhatsApp, utilizing foreign bank accounts to process transactions.

The raid occurred at 5:10 am on August 30, targeting what authorities believe was the syndicate’s main operations hub. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kaharstated that the group ran daily operations from 9 am to 11 pm, allegedly generating up to MYR2,500 (approximately $532) per day.

All suspects have been remanded for four days starting August 31, with police seeking to extend their detention. Authorities noted that the illegal gambling operation functioned entirely online, relying on encrypted messaging apps and international banking networks to conceal its activities.

Authorities in Malaysia Step Up Their Actions Against Illegal Activities

The most recent action by Selangor police is one of a series of operations that authorities in the state have been conducting recently in order to combat illicit activities. For example, in another operation, not directly related to the case we mentioned above, police detained 39 individuals from locations in Subang Jaya and Rawang for allegedly operating fraudulent investment schemes. The scams, which ran between March and July this year,targeted victims in Hong Kong, Australia, andSingapore.

According to Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar, the suspects posed as customer service representatives on various social media platforms, convincing victims to transfer funds for non-existent investment opportunities. Victims typically only discovered they had been scammed after making payments and subsequently losing all contact with the perpetrators. While investigations are still being conducted, Malaysian authorities estimate the total losses at approximately MYR515 million (around $122 million).