Selangor police have arrested 13 individuals in two separate raids targeting an online gambling syndicate and a scam call center operating in the state, as reported by The Star.
Speaking at a press conference, Selangor Police Chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the raids were conducted on April 20 and 24. In the first operation, 10 suspects, including a local man, were detained for allegedly running an online gambling network that specifically targeted Chinese nationals.
Police believe the suspects acted as operators, promoting online gambling games and promising lucrative returns. Victims were instructed to transfer funds through Alipay and WeChat Pay, with the money allegedly channeled into a non-existent gambling system. The suspects, aged between 18 and 33, have been remanded until May 10 following the completion of their initial remand period.
In the second raid on April 24 in Subang Jaya, authorities arrested three individuals suspected of operating an investment scam via the Omnissa Horizon Client platform. Investigators believe the syndicate also targeted Chinese nationals. The trio has been remanded until April 28.
The arrests come as Malaysia intensifies its broader crackdown on illegal gambling activities. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illicit betting, noting that many operators are based overseas, making enforcement more complex.
He also highlighted growing concerns about gambling operations expanding into rural areas, where they may be less likely to attract attention. Authorities have pledged continued enforcement and public awareness efforts to protect national revenue and maintain social order, with the possibility of stricter laws being introduced to address the rise in online gambling.
Suspects in the online gambling case have been remanded until May 10 following the end of their initial detention period
