Malaysia arrests 58 in World Cup illegal betting crackdown
Authorities carried out 52 raids across the country, targeting illegal sports betting and online gambling linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while identifying dozens of digital platforms used to promote betting activities.
Malaysia.- Malaysian police have arrested 58 people as part of a nationwide operation targeting illegal sports betting and online gambling linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The operation, known as Op Soga XI, was launched on June 11 and will continue until July 19, covering the tournament’s duration. Authorities said they expect betting activity to increase during the event.
Police carried out 52 raids across the country, leading to the arrest of 54 men and four women suspected of involvement in illegal betting syndicates.
Officers also seized more than RM500,000 (US$124,000) in cash and betting credits.
Beyond the arrests, authorities identified 42 digital platforms, including websites, mobile applications and social media accounts, allegedly used to promote football betting and online gambling activities.
Malaysia’s police are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block the websites and remove related online content.
Authorities carried out 52 raids across the country, targeting illegal sports betting and online gambling linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while identifying dozens of digital platforms used to promote betting activities. Malaysia.- Malaysian police have arrested 58 people as part of a nationwide operation targeting illegal sports betting and online gambling linked to…