11 accused of running illegal World Cup betting syndicate
Malaysian police have arrested 11 people and seized cryptocurrency and cash after raiding an alleged online betting syndicate linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Officers from the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters’ D7 anti-vice division raided an office in the capital about 11.30am on Thursday.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said investigators believe the syndicate was masterminded by a Canadian national and used the office as a base to promote and facilitate online betting on World Cup matches.
Police allege the operation targeted bettors in South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.
Authorities seized cryptocurrency valued at about $323,380, which they believe represented wagers placed on four 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final matches, along with MYR18,817 ($4,400) in cash.
Investigators allege the syndicate rented the office about six months ago but only began operating three months ago in an attempt to avoid detection.
Those arrested include six South Korean men, three Malaysian men and two Malaysian women.
Police allege one of the Malaysian women managed the premises and helped promote the betting operation.
All 11 suspects are being investigated under Malaysia’s Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
The arrests follow a June police operation in Penang that resulted in 12 arrests and the seizure of almost MYR9,000 in cash in connection with an alleged World Cup betting syndicate.
