GEORGE TOWN 29 June– Penang police have dismantled two illegal call centres involved in football betting activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading to the arrest of nine individuals during raids in Gelugor and Butterworth.
 
Penang Police Chief, Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng, confirmed that the operations were carried out under Op Soga XI, a state-wide crackdown running from 11 June to 19 July aimed at curbing illegal gambling throughout the tournament.
 
"In the first raid on 26 June at a condominium unit in The Light Collection 1, Gelugor, officers arrested four individuals, including a local woman and three foreign men aged between 29 and 44," Datuk Dennis said in a statement.
 
"Our investigations revealed that the syndicate had been using the premises as a call centre to manage customer accounts, oversee financial transactions, and promote online football betting through the website 137.com," he added.
 
The syndicate also managed World Cup football bets via the Nova88 website, using the residential property as its primary operational hub.
 
According to the police, the syndicate's modus operandi involved using residential properties to evade detection. Operators used computers and mobile phones connected to gambling platforms to manage customer accounts, receive and monitor online football bets, and provide customer support.
 
During the raids, officers seized six computers, various mobile phones, internet modems, and an assortment of computer equipment used to facilitate the betting activities.
 
Datuk Dennis stated that all suspects have been remanded until 1 July to assist with ongoing investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(e) of the Betting Act 1953 and Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
 
To date, Penang police have conducted 21 raids under Op Soga XI, resulting in 28 arrests. Authorities have also seized RM8,935 in cash alongside various electronic equipment linked to online gambling.
 
"Penang police will continue to intensify Op Soga XI throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our focus remains on detecting call centres, betting agents, organisers, and any individuals involved in illegal gambling activities, whether physically or online," Datuk Dennis warned.