Malaysia hits illegal online gambling syndicate

The Malaysian Police have crippled an international illegal online gambling syndicate that targeted China and arrested 49 Chinese citizens.

Malaysia.- Illegal gambling is a major concern for the gaming industry and Asia just hit a major operation. The Police announced the arrest of 49 China nationals, part of an illegal online gambling syndicate in Malaysia.

The authorities explained they were part of the ‘Apang’ syndicate from China, which operated for over a month until now. They were based in a house in Jalan Metro Perdana Barat in Kepong. The building served as a hub for their activities in China.

According to City police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim, the police raid on the house involved officers from the anti-vice, gaming and secret society from Sentul.

“We arrested 46 men and three women from China, aged between 19 and 52. The house was the call centre offering gambling services over the past month,” Mazlan said. 

The official also disclosed the police seized 48 laptops, 67 handphones and accessories worth €22k. 

“The group used WeChat to target the Chinese citizens,” he detailed. “Winners get their winnings transferred to their bank accounts. We are still investigating if this has been offered to Malaysians as well.”