Some 58 suspects arrested in nationwide raids as Southeast Asia steps up the fight against illicit gambling during the tournament
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenIman Muttaqin YusofPublished: 11:49am, 19 Jun 2026Updated: 11:50am, 19 Jun 2026Malaysian police arrested 58 people and seized more than half a million ringgit (US$124,000) in illicit proceeds in a World Cup gambling sweep as authorities in Southeast Asia crack down on illegal football betting during the tournament.
Multiple agencies, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), are spearheading the operation that runs from June 11 to July 19, covering the full tournament window.
Police had carried out 52 raids so far and arrested 54 men and four women suspected of involvement in illegal betting and online gambling, Kumar said on Thursday.
Officers also targeted 42 websites, apps, social media accounts and other platforms allegedly used for football betting and gambling promotions.
