Datuk Seri among 19 nabbed as cops bust gambling ring

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 19 individuals, including a man with a Datuk Seri title, have been detained in raids on a slot machine syndicate in the city.

Among those detained were 10 local men, a local woman, five Myanmar nationals and three Bangladesh nationals.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said police raided an illegal gambling den in Jalan Pudu at about 6.30pm on May 17.

"We detained nine individuals, including six foreigners.

"We also seized various items including four computers, 16 gambling machines, a projector and RM10,213 cash," he told a press conference at Dang Wangi police headquarters on Monday (May 24).

Ten other individuals, including the Datuk Seri, were detained in a series of follow-up raids, he added.

"We believe the 55-year-old Datuk Seri is the mastermind.

"We seized RM579,001 cash, three luxury watches worth RM238,000, seven gold bars worth RM58,250 along with three luxury vehicles worth a total of RM1.2mil from the suspect," he said.

The syndicate is believed to have been operating since January, he added.

"We have concluded the investigation and referred the matter to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.

"We expect 13 suspects to be charged under the Open Gaming House Act 1953. Four will be held under the Prevention of Crime Act and two will be held under the Anti-Money Laundering Act," he said.

Comm Azmi urged the public to supply information on illegal gambling activities in the city.

"Those with information can contact the KL police hotline at 03-211 59999 or Dang Wangi headquarters at 03-2600 2222, or the nearest police station," he said.