KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Police have arrested several individuals involved in gambling via the Internet although no figures have been released.

City police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Sabtu Osman said police were aware of the existence of such activities and were taking the matter seriously.

He said the police had difficulties identifying the syndicates as the "casinos" were operated via the Internet.

"These syndicates have links to other countries and we have to be very careful in our investigations," he said, adding the police had identified several outlets offering this type of gambling games.

DCP Sabtu was commenting on The Star's front page report on illegal mini casinos - using computers - have mushroomed all over the Klang Valley recently following the introduction of new software by a local linked to syndicates in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Using webcams technology, the syndicate broadcasts croupiers live in action to its customers here who lay bets via specially programmed computers.

According to sources, there are at least 100 outlets which are operating as outright casinos and an unknown number which use the cover of a cybercafe to carry out their illegal gaming business.

Those who want to operate the mini-casinos are asked to come up with a certain amount of money while the syndicate would advise them on the outlet design as well as provide the electronic fittings to wire up the computers to a server.

In most cases, the syndicate also supplies the computers and server.

It is believed that the syndicate's main server is located in Hong Kong while the croupiers and casino studios are located in Manila.

It remains unknown how the syndicate is able to provide such clear video conferencing as it would require a big bandwidth.