IT looks like masterminds of online-gambling syndicates in Sarawak are using foreigners to operate their lucrative illicit gambling centres.
The state police have last week arrested 26 foreign youth aged 18 to 33 during raids at two condominium units that were found to be fronts for online gambling, said state police chief Datuk Mancha Ata today.
The 23 foreign men and three foreign women were arrested in two separate units on November 7 and 8 during the raids.
“The condominium units were used as centres to facilitate online gambling.
“Probes showed they had been operating for the past 15 months at least.
“It is estimated their income was around RM240,000 per month,” he told a press conference in his Kuching office.
The raiding teams had seized computers, mobile phones, and other devices from the suspects.
Police are now on a manhunt for the masterminds behind these operations, he said.
On July 13, Kuching police had also busted an online gambling centre operated by foreigners, and found that the illicit outlet had earned more than RM450,000 in illegal profits in a matter of weeks.
This illegal operation was uncovered in the commercial-residential centre of Stutong on the outskirts of the state capital.
Kuching district police chief Ahsmon Bajah had then said the anti-vice unit carried out a raid in Stutong and discovered the den.
“The raid was carried out by our D7 Unit at a premise in Stutong.
“During the raid, eight foreigners were found in the place,” he said.
“There were six men and two women.
“They are believed to be the workers manning the centre, which was operating as a front for illegal gambling.”
Probes at the site found the business received more than RM450,000 in online gambling payments.
“These foreign individuals are workers hired by the mastermind or syndicate,” he added.
“They manned the place 24 hours non-stop on twelve-hour shifts, handling transactions with gamblers.
They carried out gambling transactions and promoted gambling activities via calls, Whatsapp, Facebook, WeChat and other social media, he said.
"The centre had been in operation for the past few months," he said in a statement. – The Vibes, November 14, 2023
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