Police have seized betting transactions worth RM2.63 million and arrested 331 suspects in a nationwide crackdown on illegal sports betting and online gambling linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director CP Datuk M. Kumar said Op Soga XI was launched nationwide to curb unlicensed sports betting and online gambling activities expected to rise during the tournament.
The operation, which runs from June 11 to July 19, saw police conduct 293 raids, leading to the arrest of 312 men and 19 women.
Of those detained, 234 were locals and 97 were foreigners. Police also seized RM145,005.09 in cash.
Kumar said police also detected 185 websites, platforms, applications and social media accounts used for football betting and gambling promotions.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will assist in blocking the websites and taking down related content.
All suspects were taken to the relevant district police headquarters for documentation and further investigation.
The cases are being investigated under the Betting Act 1953, Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
PDRM said it will continue enforcement operations with relevant agencies and urged the public to channel information to help authorities curb illegal gambling activities.
