Illustration of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Unsplash/qaz farid) |
Introduction
In a recent operation conducted by the Malaysian police, 11 Indonesian nationals have been apprehended on suspicion of involvement in online gambling activities. The arrests took place at a condominium in Salak Selatan, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. This article will delve into the details of the operation, shedding light on the modus operandi of the syndicate and the measures taken by law enforcement to combat such illegal activities.
1. The Arrests and the Suspects
The Malaysian police, under the leadership of ACP Zam Halim Jamaluddin, District Police Chief of Cheras, successfully apprehended 11 young Indonesian men between the ages of 20 and 29. The arrests were carried out on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, as part of an operation targeting the condominium where the suspects were residing.
2. Syndicate Involvement and Modus Operandi
According to ACP Jamaluddin, the syndicate operated by enticing customers to open accounts on specific websites provided by the suspects. These accounts facilitated online gambling activities, with players being directed to purchase credits starting from Rp25,000 (equivalent to 7 Malaysian ringgit). These credits were then utilized for gambling through the syndicate's online platform.
3. Significant Transactions and Targets
The investigation revealed that players credited substantial amounts, ranging from 500,000 to 700,000 Malaysian ringgit, into the gambling platform provided by the syndicate. Notably, the syndicate primarily targeted individuals from Indonesia rather than Malaysian citizens. During the operation, law enforcement authorities also seized 12 monitors, six computers, and 23 mobile phones believed to have been used in the facilitation of these illicit gambling activities.
4. Legal Actions and Detention Period
As per ACP Jamaluddin, all the suspects have been detained for a period of four days, from May 26 to May 29, in accordance with the investigation conducted under Article 420 of the Malaysian Penal Code and Section 4 (1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Conclusion
The successful apprehension of these 11 Indonesian nationals involved in online gambling showcases the commitment of the Malaysian police in combating illicit activities in the country. By disrupting such syndicates, law enforcement agencies are sending a strong message that illegal online gambling will not be tolerated. The seizure of electronic devices further emphasizes the authorities' determination to dismantle the infrastructure supporting these unlawful operations. The collaborative efforts between Malaysia and Indonesia in addressing cross-border criminal activities, such as online gambling, are crucial for maintaining peace and security in the region.