World Cup: 22 arrested on suspicion of gambling

SIBU: A total of 22 individuals including six women and three foreigners were arrested for suspected involvement in World Cup Qatar 2022 gambling activities.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the suspects aged between 18 and 53, who are believed to be football bookies, were arrested during the raids conducted under Op Soga IX in the state.

“Six of the suspects were arrested in Bintulu, five in Sarawak police contingent areas, three each in Kuching and Padawan, two in Miri and one each in Sibu, Sarikei and Kota Samarahan.

“Police also confiscated cash totalling RM3,983, a computer, 19 handphones, a laptop, two tablets, a mobile printer, printer, two SIM cards, 15 pieces of paper containing World Cup Qatar 2022 match schedules, and 10 pieces of paper suspected to be betting slips.

“A total of 20 investigation papers have been opened under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Out of the 20 papers, two have been referred to the deputy public prosecutor while the rest are still under investigation,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Mohd Azman said investigations were being carried out under Section 6(3), Section 6(1) and Section 4(1)(d) of the Betting Act 1953 and Section 4(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

He said Op Soga IX was launched state-wide on Nov 19 until Dec 21 to curb illegal betting on World Cup matches.

“The police will take stern action against individuals who organise and take part in betting on World Cup matches.

“Anyone with information on illegal betting can WhatsApp the Op Soga IX hotline on 0135253052,” he added.

Also present were Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department deputy chief ACP Mohd Ishak Yaakub, and Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili.