Over 280 detained over online gambling and unlicensed lottery activities, says Bukit Aman
Malaysian police arrested 282 people and raided 201 premises in a nationwide crackdown on online gambling and unlicensed lottery operations.Summary
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M Kumar announced that police arrested 282 people, aged 20 to 65, including 59 foreign nationals from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh, during the nationwide Ops Dadu Khas operation held from Oct 31 to Nov 1. The operation involved 108 raids on online gambling activities and 93 raids on unlicensed public lottery operations across 201 premises, and police seized tablets, mobile phones, mobile printers and RM32,149 in cash. Kumar said syndicates often relocate quickly, since they only need an Internet connection and wifi, and some operate under the guise of cafes, beverage outlets and grocery shops; gambling via mobile phone applications also complicates enforcement. Police are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to remove online gambling advertisements from social media, and will recommend cutting electricity supplies to all 201 premises under Section 21A of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 once investigations are complete. Authorities are also examining possible action under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), with similar operations set to continue. All 282 suspects were remanded for one to four days to assist investigations under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
(Source：The Star)