34 Held in FIFA 2026 Gambling Call Center Raid

Kuala Lumpur police busted an illegal gambling call center and entertainment venue in Cheras, arresting 34 people, mostly foreign nationals. The operation, conducted early Tuesday morning, targeted a premise suspected of facilitating online betting for the FIFA 2026 World Cup and operating as an unlicensed entertainment hub.

During the raid, authorities apprehended 33 foreigners, primarily from China, along with one person each from Myanmar, Korea, and Thailand. A local woman was also detained. The individuals arrested were between 20 and 40 years old.

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The raided premises were used to manage and promote online gambling activities involving FIFA 2026 World Cup football betting, as well as operating as an unlicensed entertainment center.

Initial investigations revealed the center had been active since mid-June, operating daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Police confiscated 15 mobile phones, four laptops, and various music equipment believed to be used in the operation. The suspects were taken to the Sentul District Police Headquarters for further investigation into their modus operandi.

The case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(c) and Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, Section 4(1) of the Federal Territory Entertainment Act 1992, and Section 6(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

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The premises are believed to have started operating since mid-June and operated from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.