23 ARRESTED IN MALAYSIA FOR ONLINE WORLD CUP BETS

6/19/10 – Malaysian police continue to clamp down hard on illegal internet gambling, with reports from the Bernama news agency indicating further action over the past 48 hours.
 
In Selangor, police spokesman Chief ACP Omar Mamah of the CID revealed that police raiding parties have busted a major illegal internet football betting syndicate, believed to have recently taken wagers worth RM15.1 million, with the arrest of 23 suspects, including nine Indonesian women, in 13 separate raids.
 
Gambling was carried out via the internet, supported by telephone and agent activity in various premises, including restaurants.
 
Initial investigations also revealed that there were bookies who offered loans to encourage prospective clients.
 
During the raids, police seized five desktop computers, eight laptop computers, 10 hand phones, a printer, six modems, cash and documentation.
 
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said Friday that the police had traced several more online football betting syndicates involved in bets amounting to millions of ringgit after smashing two syndicates recently.
 
He said individuals involved in the syndicates had been identified and the police were conducting investigations.
 
"We are still investigating certain people whom we have identified as involved in the betting syndicates," he told reporters.
 
He said the police would detain not only the bookies but also those who placed bets.