M'SIAN POLICE CRIPPLE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS BETTING SYNDICATE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Police have crippled an international
sports online betting syndicate with the arrest of 17 people here Wednesday.

Secret societies, gambling and anti-vice division (D7) assistant
director ACP Sanusi Sidek said the 17 (in the 20s) including five women were
arrested at 2pm.

"The syndicate which had been operating since three years ago used the place
an office to take receive bets amounting over RM1 million (about US$317,000)
daily.

"We also seized 30 desktop computers showing bets from overseas involving
football, tennis, golf and badminton."

Sanusi said the syndicate agents often switch office locations in Kuala
Lumpur to put off authorities.

The police raid was follow-up to "Operasi Soga" conducted during FIFA World
Cup in June.

Those arrested are investigated under Section 6 (3) of Betting Act 1953
which carries fines of up to RM200,000 (US$63,492) or five years jail.
-- BERNAMA