Bookies nabbed for illegal betting in World Cup matches

A total of 152 bookies have been nabbed in raids around the country for illegal betting in the current World Cup matches, says Bukit Aman.

Police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said the suspects were held in an operation codenamed “Ops Soga”.

“A total of 129 raids were conducted between Nov 19 and 28 around the country, including 36 raids in Selangor, followed by Johor (29), Sarawak (13) and Kedah (12).

“The bookies were detained in various states, including 38 in Selangor, Johor (29), Penang (18) and Sarawak (15),” she said yesterday.

The syndicate’s credit limit for bets reached Rm3.1mil, said DCP Noorsiah.

“Among the items seized were RM113,140 in cash, HK$356,940 in Hong Kong dollars and S$500 in Singapore dollars, three computers, five laptops, 151 mobile phones and 16 betting slips,” she said.

The main objective of Ops Soga, she said, was to curb illegal betting on World Cup matches.

“We are also focused on busting syndicates, including bookies or punters, and prosecuting them,” she said.