World Cup 2026: Police Arrest 58 Suspects in Nationwide Crackdown on Online Gambling
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian police have arrested 58 individuals suspected of being involved in illegal online gambling and football betting activities linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of a nationwide enforcement operation launched earlier this month.
The operation, known as Op Soga XI, was initiated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bukit Aman to curb the rise of illegal sports betting syndicates that often become more active during major international sporting events.
CID director Datuk M. Kumar said the operation, which began on June 11, will continue until July 19 and involves close cooperation with several enforcement agencies, particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to him, police have carried out 52 raids across the country so far, targeting locations believed to be linked to illegal betting and online gambling syndicates.
“As a result of these operations, police arrested 58 suspects comprising 54 men and four women believed to be directly involved in illegal online gambling and betting activities.
“We also seized cash amounting to RM25,684.65 and uncovered betting transactions valued at RM488,582.47,” he said in a statement today.
Kumar said police are taking the issue seriously as illegal gambling activities tend to surge during major sporting events, attracting more participants through aggressive online promotions and easy access via digital platforms.
He noted that gambling syndicates are increasingly using technology to expand their reach, operating through websites, smartphone applications and social media accounts to recruit new customers.
“To date, police have detected 42 websites involved in football betting and gambling promotions.
“These include dedicated websites, mobile applications and social media platforms used to facilitate illegal gambling activities,” he said.
He added that authorities would work closely with MCMC to block access to the identified websites and remove gambling-related content from online platforms.
According to Kumar, restricting access to these platforms is crucial to preventing more people, especially young internet users, from being drawn into gambling activities.
“All those arrested have been taken to the respective district police headquarters for documentation and further investigations,” he said.
The suspects are being investigated under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, both of which carry fines and imprisonment upon conviction.
In addition, police are also investigating the financial aspects of the syndicates under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).
Kumar said following the money trail is an essential part of the investigation as modern gambling syndicates often involve large financial transactions and sophisticated networks operating across multiple platforms.
He stressed that Op Soga XI will continue throughout the World Cup period to ensure illegal gambling activities are effectively curtailed.
“We will not compromise with anyone involved in illegal gambling.
“The operation will continue aggressively and firm action will be taken to ensure these activities do not continue to threaten public well-being and social harmony,” he said.
