POLICE believe they have smashed an online gambling syndicate with the arrest of 18 people in Muar.

Muar district police chief Zaharudin Rasip said the 14 men and four women, aged between 21 and 30, were arrested when police raided three premises in an hour-long operation, which began at 7.35pm on Thursday.

“Police seized 13 computers, 57 handphones and computer gadgets believed to have been used to conduct online gambling involving 12 websites,” he said in a statement today.

“This syndicate is believed to have been active for three months, frequently shifting its base of operations to avoid detection and targeting locals.”

The suspects have been remanded for three days beginning yesterday.

They are being investigated under section 4(1)(c) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 and up to three years’ jail, as well as RM50,000 fine for each machine seized, upon conviction. – Bernama, July 24, 2021.