SERDANG: Authorities have uncovered an illegal online gambling hub catering primarily to undocumented migrants, operating out of three units in a four-storey apartment block in Pusat Bandar Putra Permai.
The centre was busted during a joint raid by the Immigration Department, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the General Operations Force on Tuesday.
Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha said preliminary investigations revealed that the units were registered under the names of three local individuals.
“When officers arrived, the premises were already empty. It’s believed the suspects had fled, leaving behind only a few tablets, monitors, chairs and tables.
“We’ve handed over the case to MBSJ for further investigation and action,” he said during a press conference after the raid.
All three units were equipped with CCTV cameras to monitor external movement and catered primarily to undocumented migrants residing in the same apartment block.
Jafri said 496 undocumented migrants were sent to the Semenyih Immigration Detention Centre after 741 foreigners were rounded up during the operation, which took place from 10pm to 1am.
“The suspected offences involve the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he told Bernama.
He said similar joint operations would continue and reminded the public not to employ, shelter or accommodate foreigners without valid travel documents.
