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Malaysia arrests 1,156 people over World Cup betting scams
Police in Kuala Lumpur have arrested 1,156 individuals with ties to illegal betting operations and scams connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
From January 1, 2026, to June 23, 2026, authorities conducted 868 raids as part of an enforcement action against illegal football gambling. Additionally, the investigations targeted illegal lotteries, gambling-related call centres, and gambling dens.
According to Datuk Fadil Marsus, Kuala Lumpur’s police chief, 24 people were detained directly connected to World Cup illegal betting activities under the Op Soga IV operation. For the case targeting gambling dens, 146 people were detained as a result of 16 raids, while call centre raids led to 152 arrests.
Police chief Fadil commented:
“Police also confiscated laptops, mobile phones, routers, SIM cards, and other equipment believed to have been used in illegal betting operations. Overall, the operation resulted in cash seizures totalling RM45,033 and uncovered betting transactions valued at RM96,878.58 and HK$32,799.75.”
A separate action against land-based venues included 16 indoor gambling location raids with 146 arrests, with another outdoor raid resulting in 6 arrests.
The investigations were carried out based on the Betting Act 1952, the Immigration Act 1959, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
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