A policeman interviews a suspect at the house.
KUCHING (July 9): Police raided a house at Jalan Stutong here yesterday on suspicion of it being a Euro 2020 football bookie and online gambling operations centre.
Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said the raid was carried out during an integrated operation around 12.45pm based on information and surveillance conducted.
He said the syndicate’s bookie activities are believed to have started in mid-June.
“Early investigation found that the premises has organised football betting involving several areas and the syndicate is believed to have made a profit of about RM40,000.
“As for online gambling activities, based on the transactions, it is found that they earned up to RM60,000 a month,” he said in a statement today.
Ahsmon said five men, aged between 17 and 25, believed to be employees at the premises were arrested for further investigation.
The police also confiscated various equipment used to carry out the illegal activities.
“Among them are computers, iPads, mobile phones, and various other computer equipment,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, which carries a fine of up to RM200,000 and maximum five years in prison.
“Besides that, the case is also being investigated under Section 4 (1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which provides for a fine of RM5,000 to RM50,000, and imprisonment of three years,” he said.