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POLICE have arrested 12 men and seized RM8,692 in cash during a large-scale enforcement operation targeting illegal online betting activities linked to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim said the arrests were made under Op Soga XI, a nationwide operation aimed at curbing unlicensed sports betting and online gambling syndicates.
He said the operation, led by the Criminal Investigation Department in collaboration with Bukit Aman and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), was carried out between June 11 and July 19.
“So far in Penang, we have carried out 12 raids and arrested 12 men aged between 27 and 64 on suspicion of involvement in online gambling and football betting activities,” Lim said at a press conference at the Penang police headquarters.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested in separate operations across the state, with investigations indicating that most were involved in placing or managing bets through online platforms and mobile applications.
“We have identified the applications and websites being used for these activities.
“Mobile phones believed to have been used to facilitate gambling transactions were also seized during the operation,” he added.
Police also seized RM8,692 in cash believed to be linked to the illegal gambling activities.
Lim said investigators had identified 12 websites, online platforms, mobile applications and social media accounts used to facilitate football betting and promote online gambling during the FIFA World Cup period.
“With the assistance of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), action will be taken to block those websites and remove the related online content,” he said.
All of the suspects have been released on police bail pending the completion of investigations.
The case is being investigated under Sections 6(1) and 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, as well as Section 4(1)(c) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Police are also investigating whether offences have been committed under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Lim warned that enforcement efforts would be intensified throughout the FIFA World Cup period, stressing that police would not tolerate any form of illegal gambling.
“Online gambling continues to attract syndicates seeking to profit from major sporting events. We will continue to take firm action against those involved,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to report any information related to gambling activities to assist enforcement agencies in taking swift action. - June 23, 2026
