Cops bust two online gambling syndicates, arrests 26 foreigners

KUCHING: Sarawak police have crippled two online gambling syndicates believed to be reaping profits of about RM7.2 million over the last 15 months.

A total of 26 foreigners, including three women, were taken into custody for allegedly running the online gambling centres in two condominiums at Lorong Dogan 3 and Jalan Sunny Hill Garden.

Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the arrests were the results of three raids conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Nov 7 and 8, adding that nine suspects were arrested at the first condominium while the rest were picked up from the second condominium.

Mancha speak to the press. Also seen is Ibrahim (left) and Wong.

“Investigations found that both centres have been operating on a 24-hour basis with shifts for one year and three months.

“The suspects aged between 18 and 33, were hired to operate the centres with a monthly salary of up to RM1,600.

“Based on their transaction records, they reportedly reaped profits of about RM240,000 per month,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Contingent Police headquarters (IPK) this morning.

The police are currently searching for the owners of the residences to facilitate investigation.

In the raid, the police managed to seize eight monitors, eight CPUs, six laptops, five phones, four Wi-Fi modems and other equipment.

The case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 and a jail term of up to three years upon conviction.

Additionally, the suspects will also be subject to a fine of up to RM50,000 for each confiscated gambling equipment.

Also present were Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Ibrahim Darus and Sarawak CID chief SAC Wong Ing Fung.

): The seized computers, laptops and phones.

): The seized computers, laptops and phones.