Police arrested 85 individuals in a nationwide raid on online gambling call centres, seizing computers and phones while targeting a syndicate with international customers.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested 85 individuals suspected of involvement in online gambling during a nationwide operation.
The operation, codenamed Ops Dadu Mega, was conducted from last Saturday to yesterday and involved raids on 21 premises.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said 20 of the raided premises were used as call centres for managing and promoting gambling websites.
Various items were seized, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and other equipment.
“Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate targeted both local and foreign customers, including those from the Philippines, China, and Australia,” Kumar said in a statement.
He added that one of the premises was a call centre operating an investment scam targeting local customers.
The 85 arrested comprise 47 locals and 38 foreigners, believed to have worked as operators and customer service officers.
They have been brought to district police headquarters for documentation and further investigation under several acts.
The offences include the Common Gambling Houses Act 1953, the Penal Code, and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Kumar said since January 1, police have raided 117 premises used as gambling call centres and arrested 731 individuals.
“These operations will continue to be intensified to combat illegal gambling activities across the country,” he said.
He urged the public to continue providing information to help police eradicate these activities.
