Police cripple a syndicate developing online gambling platforms, arresting 388 people and seizing luxury cars and computer equipment in a major nationwide operation.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has crippled a syndicate responsible for developing online gambling platforms and back-office systems.

In a special operation codenamed Ops Angsa conducted yesterday, 388 individuals were arrested in simultaneous raids across 17 locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.

Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the operation began at 2.30 pm targeting business and residential premises.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 48, include 236 men, 152 women and eight foreign nationals from Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

“This syndicate is believed to have been involved in creating online gambling platforms and promotional materials for both local and international markets,” Kumar said.

Authorities seized computer equipment used to operate the platforms, two luxury cars and several high-end watches.

The seized vehicles were a Lamborghini and a BMW.

Led by Bukit Aman’s D7 unit, the operation involved 372 officers from various CID divisions.

Seven investigation papers have been opened under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Penal Code.

The case is being probed under Sections 4B(a), 4B(b) and 4(1)(g) of the gaming act, and Section 120B of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy.

“Further investigations are ongoing to identify key figures within the organisations involved, in accordance with Section 20A of the Act,” Kumar added.

All suspects have been remanded for one to three days to assist with investigations.

PDRM remains committed to fully enforcing actions against illegal gambling to ensure social and economic stability.

 The Sun Malaysia