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11 Chinese nationals detained after two-week investigation into alleged illegal gambling network.
The Malaysian Immigration Department has detained 11 Chinese nationals for allegedly operating an illegal online gambling network from a luxury residence in Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur. The enforcement action followed two weeks of intelligence gathering and public tip-offs that pointed to a possible international operation targeting overseas markets.
Authorities uncover digital gambling setup at luxury residence
Electronic devices, cash, and passports seized during the Kuala Lumpur raid.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the suspects, consisting of 10 men and one woman aged between 20 and 40, were allegedly using social media platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp to coordinate gambling activity and reach players abroad.
During the raid, authorities seized seven Chinese passports, 11 laptops, seven mobile phones, three desktop computers, and RM3,900 (US$922) in cash, along with a box of condoms found at the scene. Officials believe the premises were being used both as a base of operations and living quarters for the group.
Immigration breaches and overstays identified among suspects
Several detainees accused of permit misuse and illegal entry.
According to authorities, two men were found to have misused Social Visit Passes, five had overstayed their visas, while three men and one woman did not possess valid travel documents.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for permit violations, as well as Sections 6(3) and 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for illegal entry and overstaying.
All 11 individuals were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation and processing.
Part of wider enforcement against cross-border gambling
Authorities continue to track illegal online gambling activity across Malaysia.
The Kuala Lumpur operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Malaysian enforcement agencies to curb illegal online gambling networks that have expanded through encrypted messaging platforms and social media. Officials said intelligence sharing between agencies remains key to disrupting cross-border gambling activity and identifying foreign syndicates operating within the country.
Source: Focus Gaming News Africa
