Police raided an unlicensed entertainment outlet used as a 2026 FIFA World Cup betting call centre in Taman Wahyu, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, at around 3:30 a.m. on July 5, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. They arrested 34 people, including 33 foreigners and one Malaysian woman [1, 2, 3]. Among those detained were 28 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar men, one South Korean man, one Thai woman, and the Malaysian woman. Their ages ranged between 20 and 40 years old [1, 2, 3].
Datuk Fadil Marsus said, "Initial investigations revealed that the premises was used to manage, organise, and promote online betting for the World Cup." The outlet also operated as an unlicensed entertainment venue [1]. Police believe the call centre had been functioning since mid-June 2026, daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. [1].
During the raid, officers seized 15 mobile phones, two laptops, RM60 in cash, and various musical equipment [1, 2, 3]. The case is being investigated under the Betting Act 1953, the Federal Territory Entertainment Act 1992, and the Immigration Act 1959/63 for illegal gambling, running an unapproved entertainment venue, and undocumented residence [1, 2, 3].
The raid ended a month-long illegal operation that began around June 15, 2026, in the Taman Wahyu area of Sentul, Kuala Lumpur [1, 2, 3]. Authorities continue to investigate the network behind the call centre.
