IPOH: Police arrested three men involved in illegal betting activities involving the 2022 Qatar World Cup football matches in two districts in Perak.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said two men, aged between 20 and 50 years old, were arrested through two Op Soga IX raids conducted yesterday by the Perak contingent police headquarters.
He said the two suspects were arrested in separate raids in Hilir Perak and Ipoh.
"In total, there were three men detained during Op Soga IX by Perak police involving bets worth RM900, namely RM500 in Ipoh and RM400 in Hilir Perak," he said in a statement today.
He said betting activities were detected using the JOL application that allows customers to make bets in the virtual world.
"The suspect only needs to top up the JOL application by purchasing it through the telco line or directly at the premises that provide the 'top up' involved."
He said the case was being investigated under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act of 1953.
Yusri said a device used to record the value of the bet was also seized.
Meanwhile in BATU PAHAT, Johor, police arrested a suspected bookie over illegal football betting activities in conjunction with the Qatar World Cup 2022 last Friday.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah said the 31-year-old suspect was arrested by the roadside while he was on the look-out for punters at 8.45pm.
"Police seized a mobile phone and cash amounting to RM185. Further check of the suspect's mobile phone found he had a limited online gambling account amounting to RM8,000," he said.
According to Ismail, investigation was carried out under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953 for conducting football betting, which provides for a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM200,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years if convicted.
"Police also warned that they will continue to act against any football gambling syndicate that operates in conjunction with the 2022 World Cup which is currently underway," he said.