Johor law enforcement officials apprehended ten Malaysian nationals suspected of participating in illicit World Cup wagering. The individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 43, were identified as football bookmakers, as per state police commissioner Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat. Allegedly, they were managing a betting ring with credit ceilings surpassing RM1 million (US$223,214). Authorities confiscated RM9,730 in cash, along with ten cellular devices and their corresponding SIM cards, and a notepad believed to hold records of wagers placed on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“Custody will be extended for all suspects for a period of two to four days, commencing today,” stated Mamat. “The investigation of this matter falls under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, which carries a potential penalty of no more than RM200,000 and a maximum prison sentence of five years, if convicted.”
Further investigation into the suspects is being conducted under Section 6(1) and 4(1)(d) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Mamat attributed the operation’s success largely to intelligence efforts by the Johor police force, in conjunction with leads provided by citizens. He encouraged anyone possessing knowledge related to gambling operations to disclose this information to the authorities.
This report follows closely on another World Cup betting incident, in which an Australian bettor suffered a loss of A$160,000 (US$106,000) after wagering on an Argentina victory against Saudi Arabia. The unexpected victors, considered the weaker team, achieved a surprising 2-1 triumph over the South American footballing powerhouse on Tuesday.
An unnamed high roller wagered a hefty $160,000 in Australian dollars on a solitary athletic contest, attracting attention and prompting verification from Aussie oddsmaker TAB once the situation calmed.
