Interpol arrests 5,000 over illegal betting in World Cup

Police in Asia took more than 5,000 people into custody in raids on hundreds of betting dens during the World Cup.

Interpol coordinated the operation in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and China, including Hong Kong and Macao. Police also seized $10 million in the operation, which targeted gambling linked to organised crime.

"As well as having clear connections to organized crime gangs, illegal soccer gambling is also linked with corruption, money laundering and prostitution," said Interpol's second in command, Jean-Michel Louboutin.

The operation "will have a significant long-term impact on these serious offences as well," he said.

Police raided nearly 800 illegal gambling dens that dealt with bets of more than $155 million over the course of the tournament, which ran from June 11 to July 11.

Officers also confiscated cars, bank cards, computers and cell phones, and Interpol said the materials "will now be reviewed and analysed to determine the potential involvement of other individuals or gangs across the region and beyond".