A total of 85 individuals, including 38 foreigners, were arrested nationwide under Op Dadu Mega for alleged involvement in online gambling activities between December 20 and 23.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the arrests were conducted by the Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) in collaboration with state CID teams, targeting illegal online gambling operations run through call centres.
“During the operation, 20 out of 21 premises inspected were found to be active gambling call centres, managing and promoting gambling websites. One premise was used for a fake investment scam targeting locals,” Kumar said.
The suspects included 62 men and 23 women, comprising 47 Malaysians and 38 foreigners from countries including the Philippines, China, and Australia. Authorities seized computers, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices from the premises. All those arrested were taken to district police headquarters for documentation and further investigations.
The cases are being investigated under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Penal Code Section 420 for cheating, and sections of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for illegal entry and overstaying.
Kumar added that since the start of the campaign, police have raided 117 call centre premises and arrested 713 people. He emphasized that operations targeting unlicensed gambling will continue and urged the public to provide information to assist authorities.
