KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department busted an online gambling syndicate targetting those in other countries and led by Chinese nationals at business premises in Jalan Kerinchi yesterday.
Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the department nabbed 14 male Chinese nationals aged between 23 and 39.
"All 14 individuals arrested failed to present identification documents and we believe the passports were held by the employers or the syndicate operating this online gambling business.
"Three summonses were issued to three Malaysian males, who served as customer service officers at the premises to assist in the investigation," he told reporters at the Home Ministry Complex in Jalan Duta.
Ruslin said preliminary investigations indicated their primary target is Brazil, and there was a possibility there were other targets from different countries, considering the operating hours was from 10pm to 10am.
He said during the operation, the owner of the premises did not cooperate in opening the entrance door, leading to Immigration officers having to forcibly enter the premises.
"During the inspection, all individuals detained were found working in the premises, which functioned as an online gambling centre targeting customers from outside the country," he said.
Ruslin said those detained were currently being held at the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot for further investigation and action.
"They are suspected of breaking various laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Immigration Regulations 1963.
"We are now in the process of further investigations into their operations, modus operandi and through forensic analysis of the seized items," he said, adding that the department aims to identify their additional targets and the broader network.
Ruslin said the operation commenced yesterday at 11pm and involved a team from the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department in response to public complaints and a month of intelligence reports.
Evidence seized during the operation included 16 laptop computers, 10 computer monitors, 45 handphones, two tablets and various other information and communication technology equipment.