Perak police arrested six local men suspected of running an online gambling syndicate targeting Australians in a raid on a terrace house in Kamunting, Taiping.
IPOH: Police arrested six local men suspected of involvement in an international online gambling syndicate targeting Australian citizens following a raid at a three-storey terrace house in Kamunting, Taiping, on Oct 20.
Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said all the suspects, aged between 22 and 31, were detained at 8.05 pm by a team from the Perak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and the Taiping District Police Headquarters Crime Investigation Department (CID).
He said police seized 18 mobile phones with Australian telco connections, 10 computer monitors, six central processing units, and a router worth RM35,000 in the raid.
“Preliminary investigations revealed the syndicate had operated since July, targeting Australian nationals through social media platforms such as Telegram and WeChat to contact victims.
“They also used online gambling platforms such as One2Bet-Aus, Roladoll-Aus, and Majesty777-Aus, offering gaming packages ranging from AUD30 to AUD200. Payments were received via Australian bank accounts, while the seized mobile phones were fitted with SIM cards from that country,” he said.
He said this at a press conference at the Perak Contingent Police Headquarters, here today.
Mohd Alwi said all six suspects worked as agents to find customers and promote online gambling, earning estimated monthly salaries between RM6,000 and RM10,000.
“All those detained have no prior criminal records and are currently remanded for four days from Oct 21 to Oct 24,” he said.
He said police are investigating the case under Section 420 and Section 120(b) of the Penal Code.
He also advised the public not to help these syndicates by renting out premises or providing communication equipment.