Malaysian police arrested 58 suspects, including 54 men and 4 women, in a nationwide crackdown on illegal sports betting and online gambling linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The arrests came during 52 raids across the country, part of Operation Soga XI, which launched on June 11 and will continue until July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Authorities seized RM25,684.65 in cash and uncovered illegal betting transactions valued at RM488,582.47 [2, 3, 4, 5]. Investigators identified 42 digital platforms, including websites, apps, and social media accounts, used to facilitate and promote football betting and gambling [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Operation Soga XI is led by the Royal Malaysia Police working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to monitor and block gambling-related online content [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. All suspects were referred to district police headquarters for further documentation and investigation [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Investigations are proceeding under multiple laws, including the Betting Act 1953 Sections 6(1) and 6(3), the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 Section 4(1)(c), and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 [2, 3, 4, 5].
Three women aged 25 to 45 were arrested in Kuching on June 18 as part of coordinated raids on illegal online World Cup betting [6, 7]. The group included one local and two foreign nationals, all of whom tested negative in urine drug screening, according to Assistant Commissioner Alexson Naga Chabu. He said the suspects acted as agents on an online platform believed to offer illegal FIFA World Cup 2026 betting [6, 7]. Police seized mobile phones, betting documents, gambling equipment, and cash from the suspects [6, 7]. The two foreign nationals face additional charges under the Immigration Act 1959/63 [6, 7].
Datuk M. Kumar detailed, "Throughout the operation, a total of 52 raids were carried out nationwide, resulting in the arrest of 58 suspects comprising 54 men and four women believed to be involved in illegal betting and online gambling activities. Cash amounting to RM25,684.65 was also seized, while the total value of betting activities uncovered is estimated at RM488,582.47" [5].
On June 20, police detained a woman and a local man in Johor Bahru unrelated to betting. They are being investigated for a staged kidnapping for ransom [8].
