Police arrest 282 in nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling operations

POLICE arrested 282 people after raiding 201 premises suspected of conducting illegal gambling activities nationwide in a two-day special operation that began last Saturday.

The raids under Op Dadu Khas targeted 108 online gambling operations and 93 illegal public lottery activities, which were allegedly operating under the cover of legitimate businesses.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M Kumar said syndicates used business premises, including cafes and grocery shops, to conceal their activities from the authorities.

"A total of 201 premises were raided, while 282 individuals aged between 20 and 65 were arrested.

"They comprised 229 men and 53 women, including 59 foreigners from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh who are believed to have worked for the syndicates," he told a press conference at Bukit Aman today.

Kumar said police also seized various items believed to have been used in the gambling operations, including tablets, mobile phones, portable printers and RM32,149 in cash.

All those arrested were remanded for between one and four days to assist investigations and help identify the masterminds behind the operations.

Investigations are being conducted under Sections 4A(a), 4B(a) and 4C of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, as well as Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Police are also investigating under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).

Kumar said preliminary investigations had identified several online gambling syndicates, including Winbox and Alibaba, with police now tracking their leaders for further action.

He said all 201 raided premises would be recommended to the respective local authorities for electricity supply disconnection under provisions of the Common Gaming Houses Act.

"We are also working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to curb online gambling promotions on social media.

"Through this collaboration, hundreds of gambling advertisements have reportedly been taken down," he said. - November 2, 2026