Law Enforcement in Malaysia Disrupts Unlawful Internet Betting Network, Detains 34 Suspects
Selangor Police Bust Illegal Online Gambling Ring and Fraudulent Investment Scheme
In two separate operations, the Selangor police have taken action against illegal activities that have been operating in Malaysia. On August 30, a raid on a terraced house in Sungai Buloh led to the busting of an illegal online gambling ring, while 39 individuals were detained for allegedly operating a fraudulent investment scheme.
The illegal gambling operation, which ran between March and July this year, was entirely online. All betting and withdrawals were conducted via WhatsApp, and international banking networks were used to process transactions. The syndicate's leadership consisted of four key individuals who coordinated their activities across several states, using encrypted communication and multiple online platforms to manage bets and evade detection. The group is believed to have generated up to MYR2,500 ($532) per day.
The suspects arrested are 29 men and five women, aged between 19 and 33. Almost all of the suspects are foreigners, as only one of those arrested is a Malaysian citizen. The suspects in the illegal gambling case have been remanded for four days starting August 31, and police are seeking to extend their detention.
The illegal gambling ring was not the only illegal activity uncovered in Selangor. In a separate operation, 39 individuals were detained for allegedly operating a fraudulent investment scheme. The suspects posed as customer service representatives on various social media platforms and targeted victims in Hong Kong, Australia, and Singapore. Victims lost contact with the perpetrators after making payments, and Malaysian authorities estimate the total losses from the fraudulent investment scheme at approximately MYR515 million ($122 million).
Investigations revealed that members of the syndicate posed as women on Facebook to attract victims. The fraudulent activities ran between March and July this year, and the suspects used foreign bank accounts to process transactions.
Datuk Shazeli Kahar, the Selangor police chief, stated that the group ran daily operations from 9 am to 11 pm. He added that this case serves as a reminder to the public to be cautious when investing in schemes that promise high returns with little risk.
The Selangor police will continue to take action against illegal activities that threaten the safety and security of the public. The authorities urge anyone with information about illegal activities to come forward and report it to the police.
