SENIOR police officers are among those suspected of connections with people detained in the ongoing investigation into online gambling and Macau scam gangs.

The latest move involves more than 20 police officers, including senior ranks.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, when confirming the matter, said the move was the force’s first step in taking action against those who conspired with criminals.

He also did not rule out the possibility of widening the net in this case.

“Action has been taken. The first step is to transfer them out of the sensitive place. The second step is, if there is other evidence then we will take further action.

“If I am not mistaken there are 20 personnel (involved). There will be more transfers. There is nothing sensational about this.

“If that happens, we will investigate. When there are facts, we take action,” he said today, after visiting former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Previously, Hamid was reported to have said that all officers and personnel who will be assigned in the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) will be screened by the special committee set up in Bukit Aman, in order to make sure that those who will be placed in the so-called hot divisions, possessed high integrity.

On October 7, 10 people – including eight police officers – were detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in the investigation into money laundering from online gambling and Macau scams.

Several celebrities and cosmetics entrepreneurs were detained by the MACC, who then led the anti-graft agency to the involvement of police officers during the course of the inquiry. – Bernama, November 16, 2020.