KUCHING: A suspected World Cup bookie was arrested by the D7 unit from the Sarawak Police Contingent headquarters at a shophouse in Taman Malihah, Matang, on Friday night.
The arrest of the 50-year-old man made at 10.50pm also led the D7 unit (Anti-Vice, Gambling and Gangsterism) to the recovery of a bundle of cash and record of betting odds of the ongoing World Cup soccer matches.
The man, according to a police spokesman, was arrested after investigations carried out prior to receiving a tip-off from the public.
The suspect is now being investigated under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953.
If convicted, the suspect could be liable to a fine between RM20,000 to RM200,000 and a maximum five year’s jail.
Under the same Act, punters are also liable to a fine of not exceeding RM5,000 and jail time of not more than six month.
Currently, police are in the midst of a nationwide operation dubbed ‘Ops Soga’ to put a lid on World Cup betting.