In a significant operation, the Royal Malaysia Police successfully dismantled an illicit online gambling ring, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals, including a 14-year-old, on October 5. The arrests follow a targeted raid on two condominiums in Kuala Lumpur, both of which were identified as operational call centers for the unlawful online gambling activities.
The Kuala Lumpur skyline at night. Police in the Malaysian capital city have arrested 7 people for their involvement in an illegal gambling operation. (Image: Flickr)
The police action was led by the Anti-Vice, Gaming, and Secret Societies Division, revealing a network that allegedly generated around MYR13 million (US$2.74 million) monthly. The criminal syndicate primarily targeted Malaysians and foreigners, enticing them to participate in illegal online gambling activities, reported Malaysian media outlet Bernama.
The arrested individuals appeared in court today for their first hearing. They face charges of violating specific sections of Malaysian law, including offenses under the Penal Code and Malaysia’s Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (CGHA).
Prison Time Awaits
Authorities continue their investigations to uncover the full extent of the online gambling ring’s operations. The dismantling of this network, according to the authorities, sends a strong message. Law enforcement agencies are resolute in their efforts to combat cybercrime and prevent illegal online gambling.
Section 120(B) of the Penal Code pertains to criminal conspiracy, making it an offense for two or more persons to agree to commit any offense. In this context, the arrested individuals may face charges related to conspiring to run an illegal online gambling operation.
Section 420 of the Penal Code deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. Individuals charged under this section are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities. In the case of the online gambling ring, this could involve deceptive practices to coerce participation in the activity.
A section of the CGHA focuses on offenses related to operating or being involved in the management of a public gambling operation. The fines and punishments vary, depending on what role the arrested individuals played.
Violating Section 420 of the Penal Code could include a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine. The maximum penalty for violating the CGHA is a fine of up to MYR5,000 (US$1,056).
It could also lead to a prison sentence of up to six months. Even the 14-year-old is eligible for prison under Malaysian law, but it isn’t likely he’ll do time in this case.
Underage Gambling Causes Fervor
This isn’t the first recent case of illegal gambling that involves a minor in Malaysia. A month ago, the country’s conservative nature found out that some 8-year-olds were living a good life from gambling.
A post that appeared on a Facebook page maintained by the Tunku Abdul Rahman University was the catalyst for the scandal. The page allows people to post confessions and other information anonymously.
In the post, the unidentified mother said that she was taking a shopping trip with her 8-year-old daughter when the girl pulled out MYR1,500 (US$316.80). Given that the girl receives an allowance of just MYR50 (US10.56) a week, it obviously caught the mother’s attention.
The girl later revealed that she had begun to gamble at school, along with almost everyone in her class. The mother didn’t specify the type of gambling, but said it involved “both big and small bets.”
It’s apparently not an isolated incident, according to local media. However, putting it in the spotlight is certainly going to cause consternation and have the government taking a closer look at its schools.
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