PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department has busted an extensive online gambling syndicate masterminded by Chinese nationals using Malaysia as its central hub for illegal activities.
Immigration Department deputy director-general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said the syndicate is believed to have been operating for six months, generating approximately RM100,000 per day and up to RM3 million per month.
The syndicate did not target any Malaysians but targeted customers from Australia, Hong Kong, and China instead.
Taha said they had apprehended one 39-year-old Chinese male believed to be the syndicate's leader, and eight Chinese males aged between 25 and 39, who were acting as online gambling operators.
"Immigration officers also detained five local males and one local female aged 19 to 25 who were at the premises to assist in investigations.
"Seven of those detained possessed Social Visit Passes, and two held special passes to stay in the country.
"They are not trafficking victims. They intentionally come to Malaysia for this syndicate and they would enter Malaysia multiple times through social visit passes" said Jafri in a press conference today.
The Immigration operation commenced yesterday at 4pm in the areas of Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and Ampang, Selangor.
Among the evidence seized included RM18,000.00 in cash, nine Chinese passports, 11 monitors, five computers, 15 laptops, 33 mobile phones, six wifi routers, and a Toyota Alphard vehicle.
He said the special operation was conducted based on complaints and two weeks of intelligence gathered by the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya.
Jafri revealed that the syndicate's modus operandi involved indiscriminately promoting its services through WhatsApp.
"Those who agreed to place bets were provided with a link.
"They could even afford to rent luxury condominiums paying between RM21,000 to RM25,000 per month, profiting from their activities," said Jafri.
Jafri said the detained foreign nationals are currently held at the Putrajaya immigration depot for investigation.
He said they are suspected of breaking various laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Immigration Regulations 1963.
He expressed the department's commitment to exercise strict actions against those found guilty of violating these laws, including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom).