Malaysia’s police force is prepared to seek help from Interpol and ASEANPOL to track illegal World Cup gambling and match-fixing networks with cross-border links. Police are increasing action against World Cup betting.
International cooperation will be used when investigations lead beyond Malaysia. Police are focusing on syndicates that operate betting websites, payment channels and match-fixing schemes across several countries.
Interpol and ASEANPOL support available
Interpol can help Malaysian police trace suspects, financial activity and digital evidence outside the country. ASEANPOL provides a regional channel for law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia to share intelligence and coordinate cases.
The agencies may be used when gambling operators, servers or payment accounts are located overseas. Police can also request support when suspects move between countries or use foreign bank accounts and digital wallets.
Malaysia’s enforcement agencies have warned that World Cup betting often involves international networks. Operators can target local users through websites, social media promotions and messaging apps while managing payments from outside the country.
Op Soga XI targets betting networks
Royal Malaysia Police launched Op Soga XI on June 11 to target illegal gambling linked to the World Cup. The nationwide operation covers online betting platforms, physical gambling premises, bookmakers, agents and people promoting illegal wagering.
The operation is scheduled to run until July 19. Police are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia to identify websites, online advertisements and financial transactions connected to suspected gambling syndicates.
Authorities have already made arrests during the operation. Police detained 58 people in 52 raids across the country and seized more than RM500,000 linked to suspected illegal betting activity.
Match-fixing included in enforcement work
Police are also monitoring possible match-fixing linked to World Cup betting. These cases can involve betting syndicates attempting to influence players, officials or others connected to football matches. Malaysia treats match-fixing as part of its wider sports betting enforcement work. Investigations can involve gambling laws, fraud offences and money laundering rules, depending on how the scheme operates.
International cooperation may be needed when betting activity, communications or payments are handled outside Malaysia. Foreign platforms can make it harder for local police to identify the people behind a gambling network.
Police target online gambling promotions
Police are also targeting social media influencers and online accounts that promote gambling brands during the World Cup. Posts can direct users to betting sites, Telegram groups or payment channels linked to illegal operators. Malaysia bans unlicensed gambling and sports betting. Authorities are urging the public not to place bets through illegal websites or share gambling links online.
