POLICE have dismantled an alleged online betting operation linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after arresting three women in a series of coordinated raids across Kuching on Thursday.
Kuching District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects were detained during three separate operations conducted by the D7 Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters in collaboration with the Kuching District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division.
Police also seized several items believed to be connected to the gambling syndicate, including mobile phones, betting-related documents, equipment allegedly used to facilitate the operation, and cash.
"The three women arrested are aged between 25 and 45 years old, comprising one local and two foreign nationals. Urine screening tests conducted on all three suspects returned negative for drugs.
"Preliminary investigations found that the activities were carried out using an online platform believed to be offering betting on FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches," he said today.
Alexson said all three suspects have been remanded to facilitate investigations under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, which carries a fine of not less than RM5,000 and not more than RM50,000, as well as imprisonment of up to three years upon conviction.
The two foreign nationals are also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, in addition to whipping of up to six strokes.
Alexson said police would continue intensifying enforcement operations against illegal gambling, warning that such activities not only breach the law but also pose wider social risks to the community.
He also urged members of the public with information on illegal gambling activities to report them to the Kuching District Police Headquarters Operations Centre or the nearest police station. - June 19, 2026
