7 individuals, including 14-year-old, arrested in Malaysia over illegal gambling

Following a targeted raid on two condos in Kuala Lumpur, seven people, among them a 14-year-old, appeared in court in Malaysia for the first time on October 9. They are accused of breaking particular provisions of Malaysian legislation, such as the Penal Code and the Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953 (CGHA), which regulates open-air gaming activities. Even for the juvenile, these offenses entail possible jail terms of up to six months.

In addition, accusations are being brought under Section 120(B) of the Penal Code, which deals with criminal conspiracy, and Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with fraudulent actions. While violating the CGHA might result in a fine of up to MYR5,000 ($1,056), violating Section 420 could result in a jail term of up to seven years and a fine.

Authorities estimate that the gambling ring, which pretended to be a contact center, made around MYR13 million (US$2.74 million) every month. It mainly attracted foreigners and Malaysians to participate in unlawful internet gaming. The illegal internet gambling ring was broken up in the raid on October 5 by the Anti-Vice, Gaming, and Secret Societies Division of the Royal Malaysian Police, with investigations into its activities still underway.

This operation conveys a bigger message about Malaysia’s determination to curb domestic unlawful gaming.

A different underage gambling case made headlines last month when an 8-year-old child was discovered in possession of MYR1,500 (US$316.80) while out shopping. The child admitted that she had begun gambling at school, which was allegedly a widespread habit in her school community, despite only receiving a weekly allowance of MYR50 (US$10.56). The event was discovered thanks to a Facebook page where users may publish confessions and other information anonymously, potentially connected to the Tunku Abdul Rahman University.

Original story by: Casino.org