Bukit Aman: 152 bookies nabbed over World Cup betting

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has arrested 152 bookies in connection with illegal betting on the current World Cup finals following raids nationwide.

Police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said the suspects were detained in an operation codenamed "Ops Soga" conducted since Nov 19.

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"A total of 129 raids were conducted around the country – 36 in Selangor followed by Johor (29), Sarawak (13) and Kedah (12) between Nov 19 and 28.

"The bookies were detained in various states, including 38 in Selangor, Johor (29), Penang (18) and Sarawak (15), during the same period," she said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 29).

The syndicate's credit limit for bets reached RM3.1mil, DCP Noorsiah said.

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"Among the items seized were RM113,140 cash, HK$356,940 (Hong Kong dollars) and S$500 (Singapore dollars), three computers, five laptops, 151 mobile phones and 16 betting slips," she added.

The main objective of Ops Soga is to curb illegal betting on World Cup matches, she said.

"We are also focused on busting syndicates including bookies or punters and prosecuting them," she said.

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Stern action will be taken against anyone who organises illegal bettings, DCP Noorsiah said.

"We urge those with information on illegal betting to contact the Ops Soga WhatsApp number at 016-5773477," she added.