Image credits - Shutterstock
In a major crackdown on illegal online gambling, the authorities of Malaysia arrested 17 individuals at premises in Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar on Wednesday. These arrested individuals include 14 nationals from China and three local men, who were believed to be involved in running a sophisticated online gambling syndicate.
The operation was mainly based on public tipoffs and intelligence made over the month, said Ruslin Jusoh, the immigration director general of Malaysia. He also added that the entrance was broken down by the department personnel as the occupants refused to cooperate.
In a press conference on Wednesday, the immigration director general of Malaysia mentioned that they had to break down the entrance and discovered 14 Chinese nationals engaging in online gambling activities, with a focus on customers from Brazil. The immigration director general further stated that the Chinese suspects lacked valid identification and travel documents.
The Chinese suspects did not have any valid identification and travel documents said the immigration director general. This was believed to be still held by the syndicate.
The 14 Chinese nationals, suspected to be key figures in the syndicate, and the three local men who were also arrested were believed to be the caretakers of the premises of the syndicate.
In the arrest, the team seized around 45 mobile phones, 16 laptops, 10 computer monitors, and two tablets. One of the tablets seized was believed to be used in the form of a closed-circuit camera decoder, some ICT equipment, and utility bills for the premises. Online gambling has been a growing concern in the region, prompting governments to intensify efforts to combat such activities. The individuals arrested will face charges related to illegal online gambling activities.
Ruslin also added by saying, “All the immigrants were arrested on suspicion of committing an offence under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, and the Immigration Regulations 1963 and were taken to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department for further action.” Ruslin restated that the Immigration department will never compromise on any party that tries to commit an offence under the acts that are Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passport Act 1966. Especially, those from Malaysia who hatch a plot to protect the illegal immigrants in Malaysia.