Malaysian authorities have come up with a plan to detain suspected illegal gambling operators for up to two years without trial.

Malaysia has been mulling harsher punishments to deal with illegal gambling operators, particularly online gambling operators, as the country’s gambling laws predate the internet. The government is also concerned about illegal 4D lottery operators robbing the state of badly needed tax revenue.

This week, federal police revealed plans to prevent the game of legal whack-a-mole in which arrested runners of illegal 4D operators have their small fines quickly paid by their ring’s organizers, putting the runners back onto the street where they quickly resume their illegal activity.

Under Malaysia’s Prevention of Crime Act (POCA), suspected criminals can be held for up to 60 days without trial. However, if the Home Minister has the discretion to extend this detention by up to two years.