13 arrested in crackdown on syndicate targeting Indonesian market
Sophisticated Operation Hidden in Plain Sight
Kuala Lumpur police have dismantled an online gambling call centre that had been operating from the 23rd floor of a commercial building on Jalan Kia Peng. The illegal operation was cleverly disguised as a legitimate business office to avoid suspicion in the bustling city centre.
The raid, conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Vice, Gambling and Corrupt Practices Crime Investigation Division in collaboration with Dang Wangi police, resulted in 13 arrests, including eight Malaysian men, three Malaysian women, and two Chinese nationals.
Equipment Seized in the Raid
During the raid, police seized:
14 desktop computers
2 laptops
Multiple Wi-Fi routers and modems
An attendance tracking machine
These devices were used to manage betting operations, communicate with gamblers, and process illegal transactions. Authorities believe the syndicate had been active since early April, running daily shifts from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Modus Operandi: Targeting the Indonesian Market
Investigators revealed that the syndicate primarily targeted Indonesian customers, using trained staff to promote online gambling platforms. Employees received monthly salaries of RM3,000 to RM4,000 (US$640–US$850), with some offered incentives to recruit more players.
The use of a legitimate-looking office allowed the operation to blend into its surroundings, reducing the risk of detection despite operating in a prime commercial location.
Legal Consequences and Wider Network Links
The arrested suspects are being investigated under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, while the two Chinese nationals may also face immigration-related charges. A remand application has been submitted as authorities continue to probe the syndicate’s operations.
Police are also examining potential links to larger regional gambling networks, as the setup mirrors similar illegal call centres uncovered in other Southeast Asian cities.
Conclusion: Intensified Crackdown on Illegal Gambling
This successful operation highlights Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling syndicates, which often exploit commercial properties and digital platforms to conceal illicit activities. Authorities have warned that enhanced monitoring and cross-border collaboration will continue to disrupt such networks, especially those targeting vulnerable gamblers in neighboring countries.
