Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has dismantled a syndicate involved in the development of online gambling applications and the supply of slot machines and their spare parts. This action followed simultaneous raids on seven premises located in Damansara and Subang Jaya on October 9.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar stated that the operation, conducted by the D7 Division at 2 pm, resulted in the arrest of 147 individuals aged between 20 and 50, suspected of engaging in illegal activities. Among those arrested, 140 individuals are locals, consisting of 110 men and 30 women, while the remaining seven are foreigners, including six men and one woman.
The authorities seized various equipment used for developing online gambling platforms and for the supply of slot machines and spare parts, targeting both local and international markets. The confiscated items included 139 laptops, 182 mobile phones, 126 monitors, 84 access cards, 28 electronic components, 13 work documents, nine desktop computers, six routers, five slot machines, five control devices, four visual and audio devices, four modems, two business licenses, and two electronic touch panels.
Kumar emphasized that none of the raided locations held valid authorization from the Ministry of Finance to operate or supply gambling machines, spare parts, or to develop and promote online gambling platforms. As a result, three investigation papers have been opened under Sections 4B(a), 4B(b), and 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Charges have been approved by the Deputy Public Prosecutor against 133 of the arrested individuals for promoting gambling, violating Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, and for criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the Penal Code. The seven foreigners face charges for violating the conditions of their passes or permits, investigated under Section 39B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Kumar noted that PDRM is considering further actions under other existing laws, including provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. He emphasized PDRM’s commitment to upholding the law and combating the spread of online gambling activities. The public is advised against engaging in online gambling due to its negative impacts on society, including moral degradation, psychological harm, and social issues. PDRM urges the public to continue providing relevant information to the police.