342 NABBED OVER WORLD CUP GAMBLING
Bookies, runners and coordinators arrested in raids
ATOTAL of 342 bookies, runners and coordinators placing bets on matches in the 2018 World Cup in Russia were arrested between June 10 and yesterday.
They were arrested in raids on mamak restaurants, food courts and private residences before the matches kicked off.
Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division assistant chief director, Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa, said the raids were based on intelligence gathered by CID branches from the respective states.
“Acting on the information, police monitored the situation before moving in to nab those who were making bets online and manually.
“Online betting occurs when an operator or match bookie uses a betting application on a website and offers a bet to the public.
“Manual betting involves a group taking bets for a match in public areas.”
Rohaimi said 285 raids had been conducted since the World Cup started, with the Klang Valley recording the highest number at 148 raids and 156 arrests.
He said apart from the city centre and Selangor, the CID also carried out 33 raids with 39 arrests in Penang, and 26 raids with 48 arrests in Johor.
“The CID seized RM341,719 and S$2,009 cash placed on bets, as well as equipment, such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. “We warn parties not to use football game gambling applications to take bets to avoid legal action.”
Individuals found guilty of the offence can be charged under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act, which carries a jailterm of not more than five years or a fine of not more than RM20,000.
Online or manual betting operators can be charged under Section 4(1) of the Betting Act and are liable for a jail-term of not more than five years and a fine of not more than RM200,000 if found guilty.