KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 61 gambling syndicates have been busted nationwide so far this year, says Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed.

The Bukit Aman CID director said they conducted 3,015 raids between January and July and arrested 5,590 people and seized 9,817 machines during these operations.

We also seized more than RM1mil in cash and opened 3,015 investigations, he told reporters after witnessing the handing over ceremony of the Deputy IGPs post yesterday.

Last year, a total of 4,368 raids were conducted and police busted 32 syndicates and detained 10,303 people.

We also seized 22,884 machines and seized RM1.31mil in cash. A total of 4,368 investigation papers were opened, he said.

Comm Huzir said police also took action by using the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) against those suspected to be involved in the illegal gambling activities.

A total of 240 files were opened and 185 suspects had been

detained under Poca in the last seven months, he added.

Last year, police arrested 372 suspects and opened 420 files under the same Act.

In an effort to fight illegal gambling, among others, police had also disconnected electricity supply to premises used by the syndicates, he said.

We are also working closely with local councils to revoke the premises licences used by these illegal gambling syndicates.

He said licences of two premises were recommended for revocation last year and four this year.

On another matter, two investigation papers have been opened on Mohd Asri Hamid, better known as Asri Janggut in connection with his statement that police and Armed Forces personnel did not perform their daily prayers.

The statements were made during an interview which was posted on Sinar Harians Facebook page and in another video made with Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM).

Police have classified the statements an act of public mischief under the Penal Code and improper use of network facilities or network service under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

All witnesses, including the

host, would be called up soon for their statements to be recorded,

he said.

View post:

61 gambling syndicates busted nationwide so far this year - The Star Online