13 China nationals held for online gambling
KOTA KINABALU: Thirteen China nationals were arrested in two raids on an abandoned building of a former international school in Luyang for suspected involvement in online gambling activities.
According to Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Omar Mammah, the suspects were taken into custody after police raided the unlocked building based on a tip-off from the public.
“During the raid, police found three Chinese individuals with laptops, believed to have been conducting online gambling activities. Inspection of the room resulted in the discovery of various gadgets purportedly for the use of call centre operations,” said Omar.
The arrest of the first three suspects led to 10 more individuals in the same building, who were similarly detained for alleged involvement in the illegal operation.
Among the items seized during the raid included 38 mobile phones, 30 pieces of paper written with Chinese characters believed to be the ‘script’ for gambling activities, six laptops and other electronic devices.
Initial probe revealed all the suspects were China nationals with valid passports. They were believed to have been in the state for approximately one month.
“The suspects are aged between 26 and 53, believed to be members of a syndicate of online gambling. They are to be remanded until January 21, while the case is investigated under Section 4 (1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. They are also to be investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, for not having valid working permits,” said Omar.
He added that this was the second case recorded in Kota Kinabalu and the fourth in Sabah, so far.
Meanwhile, Omar reminded the public to obtain police permits before using firecrackers and explosives during Chinese New Year.