Malaysia arrests over 1,000 in World Cup betting crackdown
Kuala Lumpur police have arrested 1,156 people during a six-month crackdown on illegal gambling and scam activities, as Malaysia steps up enforcement against unlawful betting as the FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway.
The arrests were made during 868 raids conducted across the Malaysian capital between 1 January and 23 June. The operation formed part of Op Soga IV, an enforcement campaign targeting illegal football bookmaking alongside wider action against online gambling, illegal lotteries, gambling dens and scam-linked call centres.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said 24 of those arrested were detained during 22 raids carried out under Op Soga IV, which specifically targeted football betting related to the 2026 World Cup.
Authorities seized laptops, mobile phones, routers, modems, SIM cards and other electronic equipment believed to have been used in illegal betting operations. Police also confiscated RM25,020 (approximately US$6,080) in cash linked to the World Cup betting raids.
Investigations are being conducted under the Betting Act 1953, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Immigration Act 1959.
Broader operation targets multiple forms of illegal gambling
While Op Soga IV focused on football betting, the wider enforcement campaign covered several forms of illegal gambling activity across Kuala Lumpur.
Police carried out 486 raids targeting illegal public lottery operations, resulting in 487 arrests. Officers seized RM4,886 (US$1,190) in cash together with 451 mobile phones believed to have been used in the offences.
Another 322 raids were directed at online gambling operations, leading to the arrest of 341 suspects. During those operations, authorities confiscated tablet computers, mobile phones and internet networking equipment.
Police also targeted premises suspected of operating as gambling and scam call centres. Twenty-one raids resulted in the arrest of 152 individuals. Authorities seized 58 computers, 77 laptops, 218 mobile phones and other communication devices from the locations.
Separate enforcement activity targeted physical gambling venues. Sixteen raids on indoor gambling premises resulted in 146 arrests, while officers seized RM10,842 ($2,640) in cash, together with thousands of gambling chips and mahjong tiles. A further raid against outdoor gambling activity led to six arrests, with police confiscating cash and playing card sets.
Overall, the integrated operation resulted in cash seizures of RM45,033. Police also identified betting transactions worth RM96,878.58 ($23,600) together with HK$32,799.75 (approximately US$4,180) in Hong Kong currency.
Fadil said enforcement operations would continue to combat illegal gambling, uphold the law and maintain public safety. Police have also urged members of the public to report gambling-related offences through the Kuala Lumpur police hotline.
Latest action follows World Cup monitoring campaign
The latest enforcement action follows a series of measures announced by Malaysian authorities earlier this month ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) previously confirmed that it had intensified monitoring of websites, social media platforms and online services that could be used to promote illegal gambling during the tournament. The regulator said major international sporting events are typically accompanied by increased online promotional activity by illegal gambling operators seeking to attract new users.
The commission also said it was working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police, which serves as the lead enforcement agency for gambling-related offences, while providing technical support to restrict access to illegal gambling websites and remove unlawful content from online platforms.
According to the MCMC, enforcement efforts include investigations, monitoring activities, public complaints and cooperation with internet service providers and digital platforms before cases are referred to law enforcement agencies.
The regulator warned that the World Cup, which runs from 11 June to 19 July, presents an increased risk of illegal betting activity and said it would continue working with digital platforms to strengthen moderation of gambling-related content.
Crackdown forms part of wider enforcement strategy
The gambling operation also comes against the backdrop of Malaysia’s broader crackdown on illegal business activity, online platforms and financial crime.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced stronger enforcement measures involving Bank Negara Malaysia, the MCMC, the Immigration Department, Customs, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and local authorities.
Under the initiative, government agencies were instructed to strengthen oversight of e commerce platforms, monitor online commercial activity and trace financial transactions under the Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Authorities said the coordinated approach would examine money trails, licensing compliance, tax obligations and immigration offences linked to businesses operating unlawfully, including those using improperly obtained licences or visa arrangements.
The government also directed Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to coordinate enforcement efforts across ministries, while Anwar called for greater use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to strengthen detection and monitoring capabilities.
Although those measures were aimed at broader illegal business operations, the involvement of financial regulators, communications authorities and law enforcement agencies signalled increased scrutiny of online platforms and financial transactions that may be connected to unlawful gambling activities.
The latest arrests, therefore, represent the first major enforcement results following Malaysia’s decision to strengthen both digital monitoring and financial oversight ahead of the FIFA World Cup, as authorities seek to curb illegal betting activity during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
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