Immigration Officials Raid Online Gambling Ring in KL
Malaysian authorities have detained 11 Chinese nationals suspected of running an illegal online gambling operation from a high-end residence on Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur. The action followed two weeks of intelligence gathering, including tips from the public suggesting a potential international scheme targeting players overseas.
Luxury Apartment Used for Digital Gambling Operations
During the raid, officials discovered multiple electronic devices, cash and travel documents.
Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, director-general of the Malaysian Immigration Department, stated that the suspects ( 10 men and one woman aged 20 to 40 ) allegedly used social media platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp to manage gambling activities and connect with overseas participants.
Investigators confiscated seven Chinese passports, 11 laptops, seven smartphones, three desktop computers and RM3,900 (US$922) in cash. A box of condoms was also found, indicating the residence served as both a workspace and living quarters for the group.
Visa Violations and Immigration Offenses
Several detainees were found to have breached immigration rules.
Authorities reported that two men misused Social Visit Passes, five individuals had overstayed their visas and three men along with one woman were without valid travel documents. The suspects now face charges under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for permit violations, and Sections 6(3) and 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for illegal entry and overstaying.
All 11 detainees were transported to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation and processing.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Cross-Border Online Gambling
The Kuala Lumpur operation is part of a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling in Malaysia.
Authorities emphasized that intelligence sharing among agencies is essential for dismantling cross-border gambling networks. Enforcement efforts continue to target foreign syndicates exploiting encrypted messaging platforms and social media to conduct unlawful gambling operations within the country.
