PETALING JAYA: Over 500 suspects have been arrested for gambling as part of police operations to curb sports betting during this FIFA World Cup 2026 period.
In a statement on Monday (July 6), Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said that the ongoing Ops Soga XI saw a total of 442 raids and 554 suspects arrested nationwide.
“Of that, 341 were local while 213 were foreigners. Also seized was RM167,062.09 in cash, as well as betting wagers worth RM3,249,384.34,” he said.
He added that the police had also detected 263 websites, online platforms and applications that had been used to place football bets, with action being taken to take them down being conducted with assistance from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
All arrested suspects have been sent to the respective investigating police district headquarters for further investigations.
Investigations are also being conducted into various acts, including the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
“The police will continue increasing operations and enforcement actions, as well as strengthening our strategic partnerships with the relevant agencies. The public are also urged to funnel information to the authorities to assist us in combating these activities,” he said.
