Malaysian police arrested 58 people and seized more than half a million ringgit (US$124,000) in illicit proceeds in a World Cup gambling sweep as authorities in Southeast Asia crack down on illegal football betting during the tournament.

Malaysia, where unlicensed betting is a criminal offence, has been bracing for a rise in illegal sports wagers, with the quadrennial spectacle attracting punters to betting sites and apps.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M. Kumar said police launched “Op Soga XI” nationwide to combat unlicensed sports betting and online gambling that was “expected to increase” during the Fifa World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Multiple agencies, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), are spearheading the operation that runs from June 11 to July 19, covering the full tournament window.

Police had carried out 52 raids so far and arrested 54 men and four women suspected of involvement in illegal betting and online gambling, Kumar said on Thursday.

Officers also targeted 42 websites, apps, social media accounts and other platforms allegedly used for football betting and gambling promotions.