Another Malaysian Cybercafe Busted

Published: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 Online-Casinos.com

ANOTHER MALAYSIAN CYBERCAFE BUSTED

And police discover a new counter-raid measure

Malaysian police raiding a cybercafe in Seri Kembangan for suspected illegal online gambling uncovered an ingenious new way to avoid detection by officials - a one-touch button that erases or changes computer screens whenever authorities hove into sight.

The button is located at the reception counter where the cybercafe operator or the outlet worker sits, and activates software installed on the machines, reports New Straits Times.

Regular patrons who are gambling would be informed about the raid counter-measure to ensure that they remain calm when their online gambling website suddenly changes into something else, such as the homepage of a search engine.

The device did not save the owner of the cybercafe raided over the weekend, however. The bust was conducted by the anti-vice, gaming and secret societies division of the local police, led by its deputy chief, Assistant Superintendent Nik Roshdi Nik Yahya.

The raiding party seized 15 sets of computer equipment worth about RM40 000, and subsequent inspection showed that the new screen-changing program was installed.

A police source told the New Straits Times that a female employee in her thirties was arrested and is under police remand whilst she "helps Police with their enquiries."

Six patrons were also detained for questioning during the raid but were later released.

Investigation revealed that the cybercafe had been operating for a week before the bust, and police are currently tracking down the owner. A case has been opened under the Open Gaming House Act, alleging the conduct of illegal betting activities.