SYNDICATE DEVELOPING GAMBLING APPS, SUPPLYING SLOT MACHINES BUSTED - BUKIT AMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has busted a syndicate involved in developing online gambling applications and supplying slot machines and their spare parts, following simultaneous raids on seven premises in Damansara and Subang Jaya near here on Oct 9.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the 2 pm operation, conducted by the D7 Division, led to the arrest of 147 individuals aged 20 to 50, suspected of involvement in illegal activities.

"Out of that total, 140 individuals are locals, comprising 110 men and 30 women, while the remaining seven are foreigners consisting of six men and one woman," he said in a statement today.

Kumar said they also seized various pieces of equipment used to develop online gambling platforms, slot machines, and spare parts intended for both local and international markets.

The confiscated items included 139 laptops, 182 mobile phones, 126 monitors, 84 access cards, 28 electronic components, 13 work documents, nine desktop computers, six routers, five slot machines, five control devices, four visual and audio devices, four modems, two business licences, and two electronic touch panels.

Kumar said investigations found none of the raided locations had valid authorisation from the Ministry of Finance to operate or supply gambling machines, spare parts, or to develop and promote online gambling platforms.

"Three investigation papers have been opened under Sections 4B(a), 4B(b), and 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953," he said

He added that the Deputy Public Prosecutor has approved charges against 133 of the arrested individuals for promoting gambling, in violation of Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, and for criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the Penal Code.

"The seven foreigners were also charged with violating the conditions of their passes or permits, investigated under Section 39B of the Immigration Act 1959/63," he said.

He also said that PDRM is considering further action under other existing laws, including provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

"PDRM treats this issue seriously and is committed to upholding the law, especially in combating and curbing the spread of online gambling activities.

"PDRM also advises the public against engaging in online gambling, which has many negative impacts on society, particularly moral degradation, psychological harm, as well as social issues and urges the public to continue providing relevant information to the police," he said.

-- BERNAMA