KUALA LUMPUR: Police raided an illegal poker den operating out of a luxury hotel penthouse along Jalan Ampang early Saturday (Oct 31), arresting 16 individuals, including 15 Chinese nationals.
The 1.50am raid, dubbed Ops Tembok, netted 14 Chinese men, one Chinese woman, and a Nepalese man, aged 26 to 50.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said preliminary investigations revealed the penthouse was being used as an exclusive, mini-casino-style venue.
"The organiser operated on an invitation-only basis for close acquaintances, catering exclusively to Chinese nationals," Comm Fadil said in a statement on Saturday.
Officers seized a poker table, seven chairs, two sets of dice, playing cards, an access card, RM1,000 in cash, and 214 gaming chips valued at RM5,180.
All 16 suspects have been remanded to assist with investigations. Comm Fadil urged the public to shun illegal gambling and report suspicious activities to the KL police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or any nearby police station.
