Johor cops round up 46 bookies over World Cup betting

JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested 46 men for allegedly acting as bookies involved in illegal betting on the ongoing Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the suspects were detained from Nov 21 to Tuesday (Dec 6) in 45 raids conducted statewide under Ops Soga.

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“We also seized several items used for illegal gambling activities at the premises we raided," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 7).

Comm Kamarul Zaman said these items included 48 mobile phones, SIM cards and a memo pad book containing details of bets.

He added that RM34,303 and S$500 (RM1,620) in cash were also confiscated from the suspects.

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“The suspects, aged between 18 and 72, have been remanded to assist with investigations," he said, adding that the matter is being probed under Sections 6(3), 6(1) and 4(1)(d) of the Betting Act 1953.

He urged anyone with information on illegal gambling activities to contact the nearest police station or the Johor Police Contingent Operations Room at 07-2212999 or 07-2254677.