Malaysia Police Arrest 28 in Alleged Online Gambling Call Centre Raid

The arrests followed coordinated raids on two apartment units along Jalan Song as part of an ongoing crackdown on unlawful gambling activities.

The operation took place on December 22 after authorities gathered intelligence through Operation Dadu Mega, a nationwide enforcement initiative aimed at identifying and dismantling illegal gambling syndicates. Acting on the information, officers from the Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by personnel from the D7 Branch of the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters, moved in on the suspected premises.

Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that 28 people were detained during the raids. Those arrested included three Malaysian men and 25 foreign nationals, among them one woman. The suspects are aged between 19 and 40 years old.

During the operation, police seized several computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices believed to have been used to facilitate online gambling activities. Preliminary investigations suggest that the syndicate had been operating for approximately four months. Authorities believe the group targeted customers overseas, particularly in countries such as Australia and China.

According to police, the syndicate allegedly relied on messaging applications, including WhatsApp, as well as dedicated websites to promote and manage various online gambling services. Investigators are currently analyzing the seized devices to determine the full scale of the operation, including potential financial flows and international links.

All 28 suspects have been remanded for three days by the Kuching Magistrate’s Court to allow police to conduct further investigations. The case is being probed under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which carries penalties including fines and possible imprisonment upon conviction.

In addition, authorities are examining potential violations of the Immigration Act. Police suspect that some of the foreign nationals involved may have overstayed their visas or were residing and working in Malaysia without valid documentation.

Police have urged members of the public to assist in combating illegal gambling by providing information to the Kuching District Police Headquarters Control Centre should they encounter similar activities in their communities.

The arrests come amid heightened enforcement efforts across the region. In a recent operation in Macau, police intercepted 606 individuals during a winter crackdown and separately detained 13 people accused of operating an extortion syndicate allegedly targeting casino-related scam operations.