By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 23: Police have busted an alleged online gambling syndicate operating a call centre from two apartment units on Jalan Song, targeting customers in Australia and China.
Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu disclosed that the two separate raids, conducted on Dec 22, led to the arrest of 28 individuals believed to be working full-time in the illegal operations.
“The team comprised officers from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Kuching District Police Headquarters, in collaboration with the D7 Branch of the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters.
“The raids were carried out between 2pm and 2.12pm following intelligence received from Op Dadu Mega (Calling Centre),” he said in a statement today.
The raids resulted in the seizure of computer equipment, mobile phones, and other devices suspected to be used in conducting online gambling activities.
“Preliminary investigations show the syndicate had been operating for about four months, using WhatsApp and websites to promote various forms of online gambling,” Alexson said.
The arrested individuals included three local men and 25 foreign nationals (24 men and one woman), aged between 19 and 40 years.
All are being investigated under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 for promoting gambling, which carries a maximum three-year jail term and fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM50,000 per offence.
Additionally, investigations under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 were initiated for overstaying or residing in Malaysia without valid passes or permits, offences punishable with fines, imprisonment, and caning.
All suspects were remanded for three days by the Kuching Magistrate’s Court today.
Alexson urged members of the public to report any information related to criminal activities by contacting the Kuching IPD Control Centre at 082-244444. — DayakDaily
