PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested 74 foreigners after raiding eight premises around Kuala Lumpur believed to have been used as calling centres by syndicates involved in online gambling and scams.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the suspects, comprising 67 men and seven women aged between 20 and 50, were detained during Ops Dadu Khas on Monday (Sept 28).
“Preliminary checks found that the premises were being used as calling centres by syndicates to promote online gambling and carry out various online scams, including love scams and fictitious investment scams,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 29).
Comm Kumar said the premises were also believed to have been used as hostels or accommodation for calling centre operators.
The operation was conducted by the Bukit Aman CID in collaboration with the Commercial Crime Investigation Department.
Of the 74 foreigners detained, 61 were Chinese nationals, 12 Vietnamese nationals and one Taiwanese national, based on preliminary checks of identification documents seized during the raids.
Police also seized various equipment believed to have been used for online gambling activities, including computers, laptops, modems and mobile phones.
A packet containing five reddish pills suspected to be yaba, weighing about 0.8g, and another packet containing crystalline powder and chunks suspected to be methamphetamine, weighing about 5.72g, were also seized.
Comm Kumar said eight investigation papers had been opened under several laws, including Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Section 420 and Section 120B of the Penal Code, Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and provisions under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
He said police would continue taking comprehensive enforcement action against all forms of unlicensed gambling activities.
“Police remain committed to combating gambling activities as such crimes have a significant negative impact on the country’s economic stability and social fabric.
“Total enforcement against all forms of unlicensed gambling activities will continue to be intensified, involving various agencies, including local authorities,” he said.
Comm Kumar also urged the public to consistently channel information to the authorities to help curb such activities.
