GEORGE TOWN, May 29 – In a significant operation against online gambling, the Criminal Investigation Section of IPD Timur Laut, Section D7 of the Criminal Investigation Department of Penang Island, and Patani Road Police Station conducted a raid on a premises in George Town, Penang Island. The raid, carried out on 25/05/2023 at approximately 1530 hrs, resulted in the arrest of ten individuals suspected to be involved with an online gambling syndicate known as ‘Online Gambling’.
Among the arrested individuals were two local men and eight women, all aged between 20 and 30 years. The raid also led to the seizure of crucial equipment used in carrying out online gambling activities. The items confiscated for further investigation included 16 mobile phone units, 10 monitor units, 10 CPU units, 10 mouse units, 10 keyboard units, 2 router internet units, 2 work schedules, and 1 conversation script.
The investigation revealed that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved providing phone numbers to the arrested individuals from agents in different locations through Google Drive. Subsequently, the arrested individuals would contact overseas customers to offer online gambling services. Interested customers would be provided with registration links, and all financial transactions would be managed by another agent.
The arrests were conducted at the police headquarters of the East Sea District, and the individuals have been granted police bail following the recording of their conversations. The investigation is being carried out under Section 4 (1) (a), (b), (c), (g) of the Open Gambling Act 1953, which carries a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding three years and a fine ranging from five thousand ringgit to fifty thousand ringgit upon conviction.
In light of this operation, the Penang Island police emphasize the need to intensify efforts in combating gambling activities on the island. The public is encouraged to report any information regarding such activities to the Motion Room of the Penang Island Criminal Investigation Department through the hotline at 04-2221624. The authorities remain committed to curbing illegal gambling and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
