KUALA LUMPUR – Police have dismantled a suspected online betting syndicate believed to be tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a raid on an unlicensed entertainment outlet in Taman Wahyu, Sentul, where authorities uncovered what is believed to be a call centre used to coordinate football gambling activities.
The early morning operation at about 3.30am on Sunday was carried out by the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) of the Criminal Investigation Department from the Sentul District Police Headquarters. A total of 34 individuals were detained during the raid.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said those arrested comprised 28 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals, one South Korean national, one Thai national, and a Malaysian woman, aged between 20 and 40.
He said preliminary findings indicated that the premises was operating as both an illegal entertainment centre and a hub for managing and promoting online football betting activities linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Initial investigations found that the premises was being used to manage, organise and promote online gambling activities involving betting on matches related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said when contacted.
“At the same time, the location was also operating as an unlicensed entertainment centre. We believe the syndicate had been active since the middle of June and was operating daily from 5pm until 3am.”
Fadil said investigators are currently examining the group’s modus operandi, including how betting transactions were processed and whether the operation is connected to a wider syndicate network operating locally or overseas.
During the raid, police seized 15 mobile phones of various brands, two laptop computers, RM60 in cash, and several musical equipment items believed to have been used at the entertainment premises.
He added that all 34 suspects have been remanded to assist investigations, while authorities continue efforts to identify other individuals believed to be involved in the syndicate.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and we are working to establish the full scope of the operation, including tracing other parties who may have played a role in organising or facilitating these illegal gambling activities,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(c) and Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, Section 4(1) of the Federal Territories Entertainment Act 1992, and Section 6(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. – June 6, 2026