KUALA LUMPUR: A FIFA World Cup 2026 betting syndicate believed to be masterminded by a Canadian national, was busted following a raid at an office lot in Taman Desa.
The syndicate was found operating from an office on the eighth floor of a building in the area, which was being used as a betting hub and to promote online gambling linked to the World Cup tournament.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said police also uncovered digital currency credits amounting to US$323,380 (RM1.3mil) and RM18,817 in cash during the raid at about 11.30am on Thursday (July 9), which was carried out by the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters D7 personnel.
He said the syndicate targeted punters in South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong who wanted to place bets on World Cup football matches.
“During the raid, police discovered digital currency credits worth US$323,380.22, believed to be the total amount wagered on four World Cup 2026 semi-final matches.
“Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate had rented the office lot for the past six months, but only began promoting and running its betting activities three months ago in an apparent attempt to avoid detection by the authorities,” he said when contacted on Wednesday.
Comm Fadil said 11 individuals were arrested in the operation, comprising six South Korean men as well as three local men and two local women.
He added that one of the local women was believed to have acted as the manager and caretaker of the premises, while also helping to promote the World Cup betting activities.
“All those arrested, along with the seized items, have been taken to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters for further action and investigations under Section 4(1)(e) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953,” he said.
Comm Fadil said Kuala Lumpur police remained committed to tracking down and crippling betting activities, which tend to draw strong interest from football fans seeking to place wagers during the World Cup season.
