Police break up RM27m-a-day World Cup betting ring

Photo courtesy of Malay Mail

Federal police have dismantled a major online gambling syndicate that allegedly handled RM27 million in betting transactions each day during the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

161 people arrested in Klang Valley raids

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Commissioner Datuk M. Kumar said officers raided 19 business and residential premises across the Klang Valley on 16 July.

The coordinated operation led to the arrest of 161 people: 106 men and 55 women. Six were foreign nationals, and those detained were aged between 19 and 62. Police believe the syndicate had been operating for about six months.

How the betting network operated

Investigators said the syndicate developed its own mobile application and promoted it in Malaysia and overseas. Users could place online wagers on major sporting events, including the World Cup, as well as other betting games.

Police allege the operators concealed the illegal activity behind registered businesses and used individuals as fronts. Five local men believed to be shareholders and owners of several front companies were among those arrested.

Electronic devices suspected of being used to operate and manage the gambling network were seized for further investigation. Police are examining whether the syndicate had connections to organised crime and whether other members remain at large.

Wider crackdown targets hundreds of platforms

The raids followed investigations by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission into the owners of websites advertising gambling services through social media.

Kumar said police had carried out 649 raids since Op Soga XI began on 11 June. By 20 July, 945 suspected illegal betting participants had been arrested, comprising 835 men and 110 women. The total included 680 Malaysians and 265 foreign nationals.

Police seized RM199,006.19 in cash and identified RM35.15 million in transactions connected to alleged illegal betting. They also detected 637 websites, applications, online platforms and social media accounts promoting or facilitating football gambling.

Those services will face blocking and content-removal action with assistance from the communications regulator. Police have asked members of the public to provide information that could help combat illegal gambling.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents and visitors should be cautious about betting applications promoted through social media or informal networks. Six foreigners were detained in the Klang Valley syndicate raids, while 265 foreign nationals were among all Op Soga XI arrests recorded by 20 July.

The figures show that foreign citizenship does not place a person outside Malaysian enforcement action. Anyone who encounters suspected illegal gambling promotions can avoid engaging with them and pass relevant information to the authorities.

23 July 2026