Malaysian authorities dismantle an illicit online betting operation, jailing 34 individuals involved.

Selangor Police Bust Major Illegal Online Gambling Ring in Malaysia

In a significant crackdown on illicit activities, the Selangor police have dismantled an extensive online gambling ring operating in Malaysia. The operation, which targeted the syndicate's main hub, took place at 5:10 am on August 30.

The illegal gambling ring, which ran its operations from a terraced house in Sungai Buloh, was found to be using encrypted messaging apps and international banking networks to conceal its activities. All betting and withdrawals were conducted via WhatsApp, while the group utilized foreign bank accounts to process transactions.

Victims of this operation typically lost contact with the perpetrators after making payments, with the suspects posing as customer service representatives on various social media platforms to convince victims to transfer funds for non-existent investment opportunities. The fraudulent investment schemes targeted victims not only in Malaysia but also in Hong Kong, Australia, and Singapore.

A total of 34 individuals were apprehended in connection with the illegal activities. The suspects comprise 29 men and five women, with ages ranging from 19 to 33. It is important to note that almost all of the suspects are foreigners, with only one being a Malaysian citizen.

While investigations are still ongoing, Malaysian authorities estimate the total losses from the fraudulent schemes to be approximately MYR515 million (around $122 million). The Selangor police chief, Datuk Shazeli Kahar, stated that the group ran daily operations from 9 am to 11 pm and that the fraudulent schemes ran between March and July this year.

In a separate operation, 39 individuals were detained in Subang Jaya and Rawang for allegedly operating fraudulent investment schemes. This is one of a series of operations that authorities in Selangor have been conducting recently to combat illicit activities.

The leaders of the illegal online gambling gang detected by the Selangor police have not been publicly disclosed at this time. The Selangor police have remanded all suspects for a four-day period starting August 31, with a potential extension of their detention.

This bust marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against cybercrime in Malaysia. The public is reminded to be vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunities before transferring funds.