Police in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur have arrested 1,156 people in a six-month crackdown on illegal betting. Malaysia continues to tighten crackdown on illegal betting as the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes on.
These actions were the result of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s earlier announcement of enhanced monitoring of websites, social media and online services that could be used to promote illegal gambling during the tournament.
Over 868 raids were conducted between 1 January and 23 June. The operation was part of the Op Soga IV, which aimed to crack down on illegal football betting, online casinos, illegal lotteries, casinos and call centers involved in fraud.
According to police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus, 24 of those arrested were specifically targeted at football betting related to the 2026 World Cup.
During the raids, police seized laptops, mobile phones, routers, modems, SIM cards believed to have been used in illegal betting operations. Police also confiscated RM25,020 (approximately US$6,080) in cash linked to the World Cup betting raids.
Op Soga IV was mainly related to illegal football betting. Beside that, police carried out 486 raids targeting illegal public lottery operations, resulting in 487 arrests. Officers seized RM4,886 (US$1,190) in cash during another investigation process.
Other operations targeting online gambling operations led to 322 raids and the arrest of 341 suspects. Also, the Malaysian authorities organized and held investigations of other land-based casinos.
MCMC made a clear statement, that during June 11-July 19, when the World Cup is happening, there will be an increased risk of illegal betting and they will continue working with digital platforms to strengthen moderation of gambling-related content.
