Kuching police dismantles online gambling call centre, arrest 40 individuals

KUCHING (Jan 11): Some 40 foreigners and a local man aged between 18 and 31 were arrested by the police in a raid on a premises at Jalan Kepayang here on Thursday.

Kuching police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said during the operation, various equipment used in the online gambling syndicate were seized at the premises, which was believed to be the call centre.

“This includes 19 desktop computers, 17 laptops and 28 mobile phones of various brands,” he said in a statement today.

He added the case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

The foreign nationals are also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, he added.

He said a remand order for the local suspect has been obtained for three days until Jan 13, while the 40 foreigners, who lack valid travel documents, are being detained under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for 14 days until Jan 22.

Mohd Farhan also expressed his gratitude to the public for their information, which led to the successful operation.

He said the police are committed to continuously combating illegal online gambling operations.

“The public is urged to contact the Kuching Control Center at 082-244 444 or ASP Christ Olsen Ramlee at 013-8607572 to provide any information related to such activities.

“The cooperation from the community is highly appreciated,” he added.