Police have crippled an online gambling syndicate linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after arresting 11 individuals, including six South Korean nationals, during a raid at a premises in Taman Desa today.
The syndicate, which had allegedly been operating for about three months, was believed to have been controlled by a Canadian man known as Victor, who is reportedly residing overseas.
The raid began at 11.30am and was carried out by the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department following an operation led by Assistant Superintendent Mohd Zariezul Ismail.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said checks on devices seized at the location found that the syndicate was promoting World Cup 2026 football betting activities targeting customers from South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.
“All 11 individuals arrested comprised nine men and two women. Five of them were locals, involving three men and two women, while the remaining six were South Korean men,” he said.
Police also seized various equipment believed to have been used for the illegal operation, including computers, laptops, mobile phones, WiFi devices and RM18,817 in cash.
Fadil added that authorities also seized remaining betting credits amounting to USDT323,380.22, valued at around RM1.3 million, as well as 17,560 South Korean Won worth about RM47.
Initial investigations found that the call centre was allegedly managed by a local female suspect who handled the rental of the premises and supervised workers.
He said Bukit Aman’s Forensic Department was also called to the scene to analyse the seized items, with checks confirming that the devices were used to promote online gambling activities.
All suspects and seized items have been taken to the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(e) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
