Police have arrested 12 men and seized nearly RM9,000 in cash during a statewide operation targeting illegal online gambling and football betting activities linked to the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The arrests were carried out under Op Soga XI, a nationwide enforcement operation aimed at dismantling unlicensed sports betting networks and online gambling syndicates capitalising on the global football tournament.
Penang Police Chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the operation is being led by the Criminal Investigation Department with assistance from Bukit Aman and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The nationwide crackdown began on June 11 and will continue until July 19.
“In Penang alone, we have conducted 12 raids and arrested 12 men aged between 27 and 64 for suspected involvement in illegal online gambling and football betting activities,” Lim told reporters at the Penang police headquarters.
The suspects were detained in separate operations conducted across various locations throughout the state.
Investigations revealed that most of the individuals were either placing bets or managing gambling activities through online platforms, mobile applications and betting websites.
Police also confiscated mobile phones believed to have been used to facilitate gambling transactions and betting operations.
In addition, authorities seized RM8,692 in cash suspected to be proceeds from illegal gambling activities.
Lim said investigators have identified 12 websites, online platforms, mobile applications and social media accounts being used to promote football betting and facilitate online gambling during the World Cup period.
With assistance from MCMC, authorities are now taking steps to block the identified websites and remove related online content to disrupt the activities of gambling syndicates.
All 12 suspects have since been released on police bail pending the completion of investigations.
The cases are 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 examining possible offences under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
The latest arrests come amid a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal betting operations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier reports revealed that 58 individuals, including four women, had been detained in 52 separate raids conducted across the country under the same operation.
Lim warned that enforcement efforts would continue throughout the tournament and stressed that authorities would take firm action against anyone involved in illegal gambling activities.
“Major sporting events often attract gambling syndicates looking to profit from public interest. We will continue to monitor and take strict action against those involved,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to provide information on illegal gambling activities to assist police in carrying out swift enforcement operations.
