The Royal Malaysia Police have launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, activating Op Soga XI across all state contingents as authorities anticipate a significant surge in sports betting activity during the tournament.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar announced the integrated operation on June 10th, one day before the World Cup’s opening matches, saying enforcement would focus on both online and physical gambling activity across the country. Online targets include syndicates operating betting platforms and websites, as well as social media accounts used to promote illegal wagering. Physical operations will target illegal gambling premises, bookmakers, betting agents, and individuals organising or participating in unlawful betting activity.
Kumar said the operation also involves strategic cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia, with both agencies tasked with identifying and blocking platforms, websites, and financial transactions linked to illegal gambling syndicates.
Offenders face action under multiple statutes, including the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, the Betting Act 1953, the Penal Code, and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Op Soga is a recurring Royal Malaysia Police enforcement framework specifically timed to major international football tournaments. The previous iteration, Op Soga IX, ran during the 2022 Qatar World Cup and resulted in more than 400 arrests within its first three weeks of operation, with seized betting credit values exceeding RM10.6 million by early December of that year.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11th to July 19th, with matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a format that creates a broader range of match times and, for Southeast Asian bettors, more accessible viewing windows than previous Gulf or European-hosted editions.
